This Week in St. Johns County

Monday – Sunday: March 16 – 22

Spanish El Galeon “Andalucia” in St. Augustine
The full-sized replica of a 16th century Spanish ship, El Galeon is open for tours at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. Named Andalucia, it is an exact replica of the famous galleons that played such an important role in the creation and maintenance of the Spanish Empire. It is similar to the galleon that brought Pedro Menendez to Florida where he founded St. Augustine in 1565. The ship is available through July 2015 for tours from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Admission to El Galeon is $15 for adults; $10 for children 5-12 and free for those younger than 5. Veterans and St. Johns County residents receive a $2 discount per ticket. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez. Call (904) 824-1606 or visit www.elgaleon.org.

Ongoing Special Tours
For a complete list of eco/kayak, food, history, and other tours taking place on Florida’s Historic Coast this week, visit things-to-do/sightseeing tours.

Monday – Thursday:  March 16 – 19

Cinderella at the IMAX Theater
The IMAX Theater at the World Golf Hall of Fame features the story of Cinderella. The story follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. After the death of her father, Cinderella becomes a servant girl till she meets a dashing stranger. Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for showtimes at www.worldgolfimax.com or call (904) 940-4123. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine.

Monday – Friday:  March 16 – 20

Ladnier-Kendrick Exhibition Opening
Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach hosts an exhibit of the works of Paul Ladnier and Claire Kendrick. Ladnier’s exhibition of landscapes titled “Low Country Light” and Kendrick’s study of the human figure titled “Figuratively Speaking” are on display through April 17. The exhibit is open Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Admission is free. Located at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call (904) 280-0614 or visit www.ccpvb.org.

Monday – Saturday:  March 16 – 21

Art & Design Faculty Exhibition
The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum and Flagler College’s Department of Art and Design present an exhibition of recent work by department faculty.  Encompassing painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, video, print and digital design, the artists’ bodies of work speak to the strength of their inpidual practices and demonstrate the breadth of experience they bring to Flagler College. Admission is free. The exhibition will be open through April 17. The museum’s hours while classes are in session are Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, noon – 4 p.m. Located at 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 826-8530 or visit www.flagler.edu.

Tuesday:  March 17

GTM Research Reserve Marineland Lecture
This lecture series is held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10 – 11 a.m. at the GTM Research Reserve Marineland Field Office.  At this presentation Matt Monroe, outreach coordinator for the Northeast Florida Aquatic Preserves, will discuss, “Oysters in Our Own Back Yard: Community Oyster Shell Recycling and Living Reef Restoration.” The lecture is free so space is limited and reservations are requested. Located at 9741 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Marineland. For more information, call (904) 823-4500 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fishing in the New World Lecture at Flagler College
As part of the Flagler College Community Lecture Series, Dr. Edward McGinley presents a talk on the role of fishing in the colonization and growth of America. His presentation examines how specific fish species helped to build the country, as well as the current status of these iconic fish. The one-hour lecture begins at 10 a.m. in the Ponce Hall Solarium and is followed by coffee and pastries. Admission is $5 (free for active duty military) and reservations are required. Located at 74 King St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 826-8617 or visit www.flagler.edu.

St. Patrick’s Day Sailing Cruise
Celebrate St. Patrick’s days as a sailor on these special cruises about the Schooner Freedom. The two-hour cruises depart from the St. Augustine City Marina at 2:15 p.m. ($35 adults; $25 kids) and 6:15 p.m. ($45 per person). Complimentary soda, water, beer and wine provided. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez. For more information, call (904) 810-1010 or visit www.schoonerfreedom.com.

Tuesday – Saturday:  March 17 – 21 

Archaeological Dig at Ximenez-Fatio House
Under the leadership of Carl Halbirt, chief archaeologist for the City of St. Augustine, a major archaeological dig takes place at the historic Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. The project is expected to produce artifacts dating back to the original town plan of 1572, as well as from the early territorial and statehood years of 1821-1861. The project is open to public viewing from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays through April 30. There is no charge to view the dig. The museum is open at the same times. Admission pricing for adults is $7, families $15, and for students, seniors and military $5. Group tours are welcome at $4.50 per 10 or more. Free for St. Johns County residents. Located at 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 829-3575 or visit ximenezfatiohouse.org.

Tuesday – Sunday:  March 17 – 22

St. Augustine Art Association’s Cutting Edge Exhibition
The St. Augustine Art Association’s Cutting Edge Exhibition runs through March 29 and explores and pushes the boundaries of ideas and materials. Always stunning and surprising, the works include collage, ceramics and canvas. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2-5 p.m. Admission is free. Located at 22 Marine St. St. Augustine. Call (904) 824-2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

Wednesday:  March 18

Farmer’s Arts and Crafts Market
Farmer’s Market located at the oceanside St. Johns County Pier Park featuring selections of fresh produce, plants, baked goods, fine art, jewelry and more! Open 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. rain or shine. Located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. Call (904) 347-8007, for more information.

Thursday: March 19

Evenings at Whitney Lecture: Venomous Fish Hunting Cone Snails
Dr. Baldomero Olivera, Distinguished Professor of Biology at the University of Utah, discusses his work on how neurotoxins from venomous cone snails can be used to develop drugs for the treatment of neurological conditions in humans. In fact, based on the work of Dr. Olivera and his colleagues, the FDA has approved a new drug for treating pain. The free lecture begins at 7 p.m. at the Center for Marine Sciences at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience located in the town of Marineland. Located at 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine. Call (904) 461-4000 or visit www.whitney.ufl.edu.

Our Lady of La Leche Lecture
St. Augustine’s own Shrine of Our Lady of Le Leche is the subject of this lecture and historical discussion presented by Miguel Bretos, Ph.D., a native of Matanzas, Cuba. Dr. Bretos’s lecture focuses on the development of the Nursing Mother as an object of devotion and a major theme in iconography since the the third century. He also explores St. Augustine’s own Le Leche Shrine — the first shrine dedicated to Our Blessed Mother in the United States. The free lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. at Flagler College Auditorium, located at 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-2806.

Buckwheat Zydeco Concert
Louisiana’s zydeco music ambassadors, Buckwheat Zydeco, are featured in this Sing Out Loud series concert at St. Augustine’s Colonial Quarter. The band is a true American musical legend and is largely responsible for the growth of zydeco over the past 30 years. The concert is at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Tickets are $28 general admission, standing room only. Located at 33 St. George St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.staugamphitheatre.com.

Thursday – Sunday: March 19 – 22

The Boys Next Door at Limelight Theatre
This two-act comedy-drama is about four intellectually-disabled men who live together in a small apartment. The play provides a humorous commentary on the men’s lives, taking a surprising turn as a father comes to visit, true love is discovered and one accepts a new job. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25; $22 seniors; $20 student and military. Located at 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 825-1164 or visit www.limelight-theatre.org.

Friday & Saturday: March 20 & 21

The National Council for History Education (NCHE) Annual Conference -“Encounters in History”
To commemorate the 450th anniversary of the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States, the NCHE conference takes place on Flagler College Campus. Keynote speaker programs during the conference are free and open to the public. Programs include The Second Half of History,  by ABC News political commentator, Cokie Roberts at 10:45 a.m. on Friday; Inventing the Presidency: The Trials and Tribulations of George Washington by Yale University Professor of History, Joanne Freeman Friday at 4:15 p.m.; and on Saturday at 10:45 a.m., Dr. J. Michael Francis will present Before Jamestown: Rethinking the Early History of Spanish Florida. Each presentation will take place at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. The Keynote sessions are free and open to the public. www.nche.net

Friday: March 20

Woman’s Exchange Spring Luncheons
Enjoy a special luncheon in the gardens of the historic Pena-Peck House. Doors to the Gift Shop open at 10:30 a.m. and the luncheon is served at noon. Reservations are required. Tickets are $25 and include $5 fun money for shopping. Located at 143 St. George St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-5064 or visit www.penapeckhouse.com.

Saturday:  March 21

Old City Farmers’ Market
Features locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants and more. Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Open 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. Located at 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 471-3733.

Guided Beach Exploration Guana South Beach
Join GTM Research Reserve Docents from 8:30 – 10 a.m. for a beach walk at the Guana South Beach location on A1A, South Ponte Vedra Beach. Learn about the animals that call the beach home as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. There is a $3/per vehicle parking fee. Located at 1768 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 823-4500, for more information.

Second Annual Commemoration of the Founding of Fort Mose
Celebrate the March 1738 official sanction of Fort Mose and the emancipation of Francisco Menendez and his Spanish militia by Governor Manuel de Montiano. Living history programs and weapons demonstrations take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Re-enactment from 1 – 2 p.m. of Governor Montiano founding the village and fort of Mose. From 2 – 3 p.m. Dr. Anthony E. Dixon, president of Archival and Historical Research, will present a lecture entitled “The African Diaspora in Florida.” From 3 – 4 p.m., A Middle Passage Remembrance Ceremony will be conducted by Ann Chin. The heritage events are free. The Museum admission fee is $2 per adult, children age 5 and younger are free. Located at 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 823-2232 or visit www.floridastateparks.org.

Nocatee Farmer’s Market
Nocatee Farmer’s Market takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every third Saturday. This free family-friendly event has over 80 local vendors selling everything from produce, crafts, jewelry, herbs, unique foods and more. Free face painting will be available for the little ones, along with bounce house. Located at 245 Little River Rd., Ponte Vedra. nocatee.com

Photography Challenge Event
Photographers, from beginners to professionals, compete to take the best photo at three designated locations within Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Maps to the featured locations can be obtained from the Ranger Station or from volunteers in the main parking lot. Each month, park volunteers will select the winning photo which will then be displayed at the Visitors Information Center kiosk and the park’s gift shop. There is no cost to compete. Park admission is $5 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist. Located at 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. For more information, call 609-247-8146 or visit www.floridastateparks.org.

10th Annual Festival of Chariots
The Festival of Chariots takes place from 10:30 a.m. – noon with a parade in downtown that starts and ends at the Plaza de la Constitucion.  From Noon – 2 p.m. there will be chanting on St. George Street.  In addition to the colorful parade, the festival will feature Indian food and a cultural program including a short theatrical production, professional Indian dancers and Indian music from 2 – 3:30 p.m., St. George St., St. Augustine.

Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tour
Tour the oldest extant planned cemetery in Florida with burials starting during the First Spanish Period (1565-1763). Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Tours are from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Located at 16 Cordova St., St. Augustine. www.tolomatocemetery.com

3rd Annual Falcon Regiment Sheepshead Derby
Falcon Regiment Booster Association hosts a Sheepshead Derby fishing tournament at 4 p.m. at the Vilano Beach Pier to benefit the Pedro Menendez High School Marching band. The entry fee is $25 for adults with children 12 and under fishing for free with paying adult. Located at 260 Vilano Road., St. Augustine. Call (904) 669-8791, for more information. 

Castillo by Candlelight: Sisters and Survivors – The Women of St. Augustine
Commemorate the 450 years of St. Augustine history by joining the National Park Service for an evening program celebrating Women’s History Month. Join a park ranger for a guided, candlelight tour of the Castillo during which you will meet women from various eras of St. Augustine’s past and learn about the city’s long history. Tours depart from the ticket booth at 6:45, 7:00, 7:15, 7:30, 7:45 and 8 p.m. Tour tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased at the ticket booth or by calling (904) 829-6506, ext. 232. Tickets are $8 for age 16 and up; $4 per child ages 5-15; and free for those under age 5. Located at 1 South Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www.nps.gov

Sunday:  March 22

St. Augustine Record Fair
Features new and used merchandise from many regional dealers. Items for sale include music memorabilia and collectibles, turntable supplies, posters, CDs and tons of vinyl records! Local bands will perform. DJ sets by Jake Brown of Hear Hear DJs will entertain and a bounce house, art activities and face painting will be on site for kids. Food and drinks will be available for purchase and there is ample free parking. The event is noon – 6 p.m.at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Admission is free. Located at 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.staugamphitheatre.com.

34th Annual Spring Fair at St. Ambrose Catholic Church
Experience the coming of spring at this venerable fair from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Elkton. Food includes Minorcan pilau, Minorcan clam chowder, ham dinners, hamburgers, ice cream, homemade desserts and more! Entertainment provided by Red River Band. Parking and admission are free. Located at 6070 Church Road (follow signs on SR 207), Elkton.  

EMMA Concert Performance: Stanislav Khristenko
Prize-winning Ukrainian pianist Stanislav Khristenko has thrilled audiences around the world with his impassioned performances.  He brings his amazing talent to St. Augustine in this 2 p.m. performance at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium. Tickets are $30. Located at 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine. Call (904) 797-2800 or visit www.emmaconcerts.com.

Chalupa Christening
Handcrafted by volunteers over the past three years, an authentic replica of a 17th century Spanish workboat known as a chalupa will be christened at St. Augustine’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park. Constructed by the Maritime Heritage Foundation, the boat will be featured in the city’s 450th birthday celebration. The christening ceremonies take place 3-6 p.m. Admission to the christening is free. Located at 11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 829-3168 or visit staugmaritimeheritage.org.

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, City Walks History Mystery Murder Evening Tour, and the Hotel Ponce de Leon Legacy Tours at Flagler College. Every Thursday admission to the First Colony Exhibit at the Government House is also free to SJC residents. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery and St. Augustine Distillery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed). Many other local attractions offer discounted admissions to St. Johns County residents with valid ID.

For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, visit the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.floridashistoriccoast.com.