Children’s Museum of St. Johns still growing

News and Notes from CMSJ · September 2008
Join Us for Upcoming Events!

Mark Your Calendars!

After a short summer hiatus, the Board of Directors and volunteer committees of the Children’s Museum of St. Johns are back in action and have a jam-packed schedule for 2008/2009. We hope you’ll join us for a number of fun family-oriented events listed below!

With a new roster of officers serving on our board and two new board members joining the team, the CMSJ Board is energized and enthusiastic about tackling a number of projects, events, and exciting partnerships for the upcoming year as well as in preparation for the City’s upcoming 450th anniversary celebration. But goal number one this year is finding a site for the museum. So, with our “eyes on the prize” we continue to strive to educate the public about CMSJ and what a wonderful resource for our community it will be. We’ll keep you updated on our progress and welcome your suggestions and feedback!

Saturday, September 12, 2008 · 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida Heritage Book Festival & Marketplace

Bring your children to this wonderful first-time event featuring stories, activities, and presentations for children ages 4-12 throughout the day, starting at 10 a.m. CMSJ will have a booth in the Festival Marketplace, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., where we will hand out bookmarks, brochures and other information about CMSJ as well as lemonade and snacks. Children’s festival activities and the Marketplace take place in Flagler College’s Ringhaver Center at 50 Sevilla Street. (904) 940-0194; www.fhbookfest.com for info.

Saturday, September 27, 2008 · 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Southeast Branch Library’s 5th Anniversary

CMSJ is joining in the celebration of 5 years of library service at the Southeast Branch located off of U.S. 1 South. Presentations will include a literary history of St. Augustine by David Nolan, a portrayal of William Bartram by Michael Adams, and a discussion of the history of Fort Mose by James Bullock. Children are invited to enjoy a special Junior Rangers Program presented by Park Ranger Cristy as well as crafts. A birthday cake and light snacks will be graciously provided by the Friends of the Southeast Branch Library. Come by CMSJ’s booth for bookmarks and a special treat for all attendees.

Saturday, October 25, 2008 · 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
THE GREAT BUBBLE BLOW-OUT!
Ancient City Kids Day
Come join the fun at our new bubble exhibit in our “museum without walls.” Try your hand at bubble stations, making the biggest bubbles you’ve ever seen, bubble “magic” tricks, and much more. Sponsored by Epic Community Services, Ancient City Kids Day is an annual festival for families and children featuring activities, food, performing arts, and numerous booths hosted by community organizations. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Francis Field on Castillo Drive. Call (904) 829-3295 or visit www.epiccommunityservices.org.

Saturday, December 6, 2008 · 10 a.m.
St. Augustine Christmas Parade

Join the crowds as St. Augustine welcomes St. Nick and Co. to the Ancient City! CMSJ will sponsor a float in the parade so come cheer on our little elves as we spread the word about the Children’s Museum of St. Johns. The parade starts on San Marco Boulevard and winds through downtown St. Augustine and the bayfront. Visit the City of St. Augustine’s web site for details: www.ci.st-augustine.fl.us.

Sunday, December 14, 2008 · 1:30 p.m.
CMSJ Holiday Fundraiser at the Limelight Theatre
Bring the kids to enjoy a matinee performance of a family favorite show-“Annie Junior!” Pre-show festivities will include a Teddy Bear Tea Party and Dessert Buffet catered and sponsored by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association (SAiRA), family photo opportunities, and an amazing Silent Auction and Drawing, perfect for picking up a last minute gift! Pre-show events begin at 1:30 p.m. and the show begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children and all proceeds benefit CMSJ.

Saturday, March 21, 2009 · 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
17th Annual Lighthouse Festival
Hosted by the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum and sponsored by the Junior Service League of St. Augustine and Tourist Development Council, this fun family festival features free admission to the tower, museum, and grounds as well as children’s games and crafts, pony rides, live entertainment, and refreshments. CMSJ will present “The Great Bubble Blow-Out” again at our “museum without walls.” For more information about the 17th Annual Lighthouse Festival please contact the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum at (904) 829-0745.

Spring 2008 (date, time, and location TBA)
CMSJ’s Just TRI It! -A Kids’ Triathlon

CMSJ’s second-annual kids’ triathlon for children ages 6-12 consists of a pool swim, a bike ride, and a run, with distances adjusted for each age group (6-7, 8-10 and 11-12). All participants of Just TRI It! will be awarded medals for their achievement, regardless of their finishing times. A series of training clinics will be held prior to the race in order to familiarize parents and athletes with the course and other logistics of the triathlon. All proceeds from the event will benefit CMSJ.