Cultural entertainment and events

St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau Communications Director Jay Humphreys updated Historic City News reporters on this weekend’s entertainment options along Florida’s Historic Coast.

Saturday: March 19
GTM RESEARCH RESERVE BEACH WALK
Join GTM Research Reserve Volunteers Rick and Roz Edwards for this “Beaches 101” experience; an informative and fun walk and learn about the sand, the importance of the dunes, and the animals that call the beach their home. The walk takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. and will depart from the Guana South Beach parking lot, approximately two miles north of Guana River Road on A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. The fee to participate is $3 per vehicle for park admission. For more information or reservations, call 904.823.4500.

19TH ANNUAL LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL
Bring the family and join the fun when admission to the tower, grounds, and museum is free from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The historic Light Station will offer something for everyone, including local musicians and entertainers throughout the day, special games and crafts for children, food, living history portrayals, pony rides, terrestrial and maritime archaeology activities, contests and much more. This year’s featured attraction is the ship building and interpretive programs about the area’s Spanish maritime cultural heritage. St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.829.0745 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.com.

19th ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE 5K RUN & FUN RUN
Spend the day at St. Augustine Lighthouse Festival then compete in the 19th Annual Lighthouse Michelob Ultra 5K. The run begins at 4 p.m. and will take place on a flat 3.1-mile course with chip timing, A fun run on the same course will take place at 4 p.m. For more information, call 386.747.3532 or visit http://www.lighthouse5k.com.

SUNSET/MOONRISE TOUR
Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine – the top of the Lighthouse! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, hors d’oeuvres from The Reef and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. The tour takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.StAugustineLighthouse.com, or to reserve a spot, call 904.829.0745.

DOO-WOP MUSICAL SALUTE
Experience an exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer from The Platters, this salute features the all-time classic songs of these immortal groups. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 (limited time, buy one-get one free!) Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904-824-8874 or visit www.oldfloridamuseum.com for more information. Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue St Augustine, Florida.

EMMA CONCERT SERIES: JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Hear the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra do what it does best, performing the greatest hits from the concert stage. Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski will direct the orchestra in a selection of favorite melodies from theatrical and film shows, featuring a varied selection of best-loved compositions. The performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located at 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 904.797.2800 or visit www.emmaconcerts.com.

TIMUCUA INDIAN ARCHEOLOGY PROGRAM
Bring the kids to learn through this unique hands-on Native America experience and discover the life ways of the Timucuan Indians and their relationship to the land that they loved. Program activities include tours with expert guides, stories about the Timucuan Indians and their river lore, and visit a 1500’s encampment and taste the foods of the times and learn about these amazing natives that lived here for a thousand years. The program takes place form 2 to 4 p.m. at Favor-Dykes State Park, located at 1000 Favor Dykes Rd, off US 1 north near I-95 Exit 298. Admission is $5 per vehicle. For more information, call 386.446.6783

Saturday and Sunday: March 19 & 20

WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME PUTTING CHAMPIONSHIP
Put your putting skills to the test during the 8th annual World Golf Hall of Fame Putting Championship. Set on the Hall of Fame’s 18-hole, natural grass putting course, you have a chance to compete for more than $10,000 in prizes including golf rounds at area courses, gift certificates and tickets to THE PLAYERS. Qualifying rounds are Saturdays and Sundays. Tee times are 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. The Finals are April 2. Tickets are $35 each and include a free lunch, one practice round, admission to the Hall of Fame and a gift bag! For more information, visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org.

BALD EAGLE BIRD WATCHING TOUR
Experience something like never before…this boat tour will leave from the St. Augustine City Marina to observe wild dolphins, a variety of birds and many other marine organisms. Then, the boat make a special stop beneath an endangered Bald Eagle’s nest. This stop will provide a chance to see two eagles that have recently returned to the area. Cameras are encouraged whether you’re a novice or experienced photographer. Binoculars are provided on board as well as all the information you could ask for about the creatures and environment you see. Tours are limited to 2-6 guests, $35 for adults / $30 for kids 12 & under. Saturday and Sunday 10:00am. Call Zach for reservations and details 904-377-7245.

SPRING EQUINOX KAYAK TOURS
Experience the lengthening days of Spring and the rich colors of a North Florida sunset from the best seat in the house, a kayak! Participants will paddle among acres of quiet protected marshlands of the Guana Reserve. The tour is from 6 to 7 p.m., costs $55 per person and includes a guide, kayak and brief instruction. Some proceeds benefit the GTM. Morning bird watching tours by kayak are also available. The tours depart from the Guana Preserve, located on A1A between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call 904.347.1565.

Sunday: March 20

FESTIVAL OF THE MUSES
Continue the celebration of Women’s History Month with a reading by Eva Doolittle, National League of Pen Women – St. Augustine Branch; readings by members of the Sea Quills Writing Group; a performance celebrating women composers by Karen Fradley, accompanied by Bryant Milano; and Recognize Outstanding Women in the Arts award presentations. The event is from 4-6 p.m. at the Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue, in St. Augustine. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.