This Week in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra

April 14, 2014

Monday – Sunday : April 14 – 20

Jerusalem at the IMAX Theater - The documentary film “Jerusalem” plays each day through May 30 at The IMAX Theater at World Golf Hall of Fame. This film explores how this small city became such a pivotal part of human history. Jerusalem is home to some of the most sacred sites in the world for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. This IMAX theater features the largest 3D screen in the Southeast. Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for show times. One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. 904-940-4123 www.worldgolfimax.com

Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience - Journey: 450 Years of the African American Experience covers the long and storied history of African-Americans in St. Augustine. The story of African-Americans begins in St. Augustine with the first Africans both free and slave among founding colonists in 1565. The exhibition is designed for cultural and heritage visitors interested in the full history of America and its beginnings and comprises four themes: Genesis of the African-American Experience; Fortress of Freedom; Breaking the Chains; and Crossroads of Change. Tickets are $5 for adults; $4 for seniors; $3 for youth 7-12; under 7 free. Free admission for military in uniform. Located at the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, 10 West Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www.Journey2014.com

El Galeón Tour - Tour a full-sized replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon. Docked at the St. Augustine City Marina, El Galeón Andalucia is an exact replica of the famous galleons that played an important role in the creation and maintenance of the Spanish Empire. Built in Spain, it is similar to the galleon that brought Pedro Menendez to Florida where he founded St. Augustine in 1565. The ship is available for tours beginning at 10 a.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adult; $8 for youth. 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-824-1606

“The Colors of Spring” Exhibit - Lost Art Gallery features the colorful works of Darwin Chaves. Rainbows are the pallet of this Peruvian-born artist. Rich in color and texture, Chavez paints his favorite beach scenes, streetscapes and gardens in acrylic on canvas. Through April 30. 210 St. George St., St. Augustine. 904-827-9800 www.lostartgallery.com

Spring Members Show – The St. Augustine Art Association’s Annual Spring Members Show features a broad array of artistic styles, media and subjects. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2-5 p.m. Admission is free. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org

For a complete list of eco/kayak, food, and history tours, and other special tours taking place on Florida’s Historic Coast this week, visit Florida’sHistoricCoast.com/events

Monday: April 14

“The Role of Art in the Egyptian Revolution” – Internationally-renowned Egyptian artist and activist Mohamed Abla visits Flagler College. Abla, is considered Egypt’s leading contemporary artist and will talk about “The role of Art in the Egyptian Revolution.” This free lecture begins at 7 p.m. in the Flagler Room. 74 King Street, St. Augustine. 904-819-6282 www.flagler.edu/our-community

Sunset/Moonrise at St. Augustine Lighthouse – Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the top of the Lighthouse! The $25 admission 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. 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine. 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.org

Monday & Tuesday: April 14 & 15

Schooner Freedom Full Moon Sail – St. Augustine’s premier tall ship, the Schooner Freedom, sails through the calm waters of Matanzas Bay lit by the glow of the full moon. This memorable sailing excursion departs at 8:45 p.m. from the City Marina. Complimentary beer, soda and wine are included in the $35 per person rate. Bring along a picnic basket or dessert and make it a night to remember. 111 Avenida Menendez. 904-810-1010 www.schoonerfreedom.com

Tuesday: April 15

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. The series is designed to help inform the public about their coastal natural world. This month Resource Management Coordinator Joseph Burgess will discuss “Learn to Love the Snakes You Love to Hate”. He will cover snakes found in your neighborhood, why they are there, and how they and all wildlife benefit ecosystems. The lectures are free so space is limited and reservations are requested. There is also a guided trail walk from 1 – 2:30 p.m. (sign up separately for each event). 9741 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Marineland. 904-823-4500 http://gtmnerrmarinelandlecture.eventbrite.com

Wednesday: April 16

Farmer’s Arts and Crafts Market - Farmers’ Market located at the ocean-side 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. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.com

“Gathering” with the St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation – At 6 p.m. the St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation will host a “Gathering” at the St. Augustine Yacht Club. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with SAYC menu items available for purchase. A guest speaker focusing on the rich past, present and future maritime heritage of St. Augustine will be the highlight of the evening. The event is open to the public and free of charge. 442 Ocean Vista Ave., St. Augustine. 904-599-3800 http://staugmaritimeheritage.org

Thursday: April 17

Relay for Life at San Sebastian Winery – Enjoy a tour, wine tastings, light hors d’oeuvres and live music at St. Augustine’s San Sebastian Winery. Sponsored by The Bailey Group, this is a pre-event fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Tickets for all the fun are only $15 when purchased at The Bailey Group, 1200 Plantation Island Dr, Suite 210 in St. Augustine or $20 at the door. The event is 5 – 7 p.m. (tours and tasting begin at 4:15 p.m.) 157 King Street. 904-461-1800

The Goo Goo Dolls Concert – The multi-platinum Grammy-nominated band The Goo Goo Dolls perform at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Ponte Vedra Beach. Special guests Run River North will open the concert that begins at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) Tickets are $65 for the first 10 rows; $50 for remaining rows. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com

“Brotherhood and ‘Brotherhoodism’ in the Civil Rights Era; and “Bottling Hell: Cultural Identity and the Datil Pepper of St. Augustine” - Beginning at 7 p.m., Dr. Ted Ownby, Professor of History and Southern Studies, Director of the Center of the Study of Southern Culture, University of Mississippi, presents “Brotherhood and ‘Brotherhoodism’ in the Civil Rights Era American South.” Next, Ms. Anna Hamilton, Graduate Assistant, Southern Foodways Alliance, Center for the Study of Southern Culture, University of Mississippi, presents “Bottling Hell: Myth-Making, Cultural Identity and the Datil Pepper of St. Augustine.” These lectures take place in the Flagler Room at Ponce Hall and are presented by the Flagler College Ideas and Images Program marking the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act. The lectures are free and open to the public. 74 King Street, St. Augustine. 904-819-6282 www.flagler.edu/our-community

Friday: April 18

Palm Valley Market Social – The Palm Valley Community Center hosts the Palm Valley Market Social from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Community Center. This event is a Farmers Market and fundraiser for the center. Local farmers and vendors will be selling vegetables, jams, jellies, soaps, sauces, greens, hormone and anti-biotic free meat, wild salmon, crab cakes, baked goods and other local products. A silent auction and raffle are included. Refreshments available. Admission is free. 148 Canal Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-226-3665

Music from Vegas To Branson – The Pioneer Barn at the Old Florida Museum hosts the very talented Mr. Trey Dees featuring the music of some of the greats of the 50′s, 60′s, and 70′s at 7 p.m. Enjoy music from the likes of Elvis, Chuck Berry, Dean Martin, Roy Orbison, and Tom Jones. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 seniors. 259 San Marco Ave. St. Augustine. 904-824-8874 www.fortmenendez.com

Friday – Sunday: April 18 – 20

Limelight Theatre Presents “Other Desert Cities” – A promising young writer returns home to announce the imminent publication of her novel based on a tragic event in the family’s history – an event her parents want to forget. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25; $22 seniors; $20 student and military. 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org

Saturday: April 19

Old City Farmer’s Market – Features locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants and more. Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. Open 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. 904-471-3733

Nocatee Farmer’s Market - Featuring more than 70 vendors, Nocatee Farmer’s Market takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 245 Little River Rd., Ponte Vedra. www.nocatee.com

Guided Beach Exploration Guana South Beach – Join GTM Research Reserve Docents from 8:30 – 10:30 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. 1768 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach 904-823-4500 www.gtmnerrbeachexploration.eventbrite.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 select the winning photo which will then be displayed at the VIC kiosk and the park’s gift shop. There is no cost to compete. Park admission is $5 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist. 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast 609-247-8146; www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks

Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tour – Tour the oldest extant planned cemetery in the State of 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. 16 Cordova St., St. Augustine. www.tolomatocemetery.com

Record Store Day – St. Augustine Tonevendor Records celebrates international Record Store Day and its transition from 18 years as an online shop to an actual brick and mortar record store! From noon – 6 p.m. enjoy live music by local and regional bands interspersed with DJ sets — plus there will be special sales as well as poster, CD and record giveaways. From 2 – 3 p.m., Hot Shot Bakery and Cafe will host an on-stage pepper-eating contest with a $75 cash prize for the winner. 81d King St., St. Augustine. 904-342-7981 http://recordstoreday.com/CustomPage/614

Pirate Plunder Tour – St. Augustine City Walks presents a one-hour tour featuring the town’s most famous pirate lore. Kidnapped by a well-known pirate captain, tour participants will find out what it was like to live in 17th century St. Augustine – complete with the threat of pirate raids. This fun, free tour departs at 4:30 p.m. from the Tour St. Augustine office, 4 Granada St., St. Augustine. Reservations required. 904-825-0087 www.StAugustineCityWalks.com

Union History Day and Candlelight Tours at the Castillo de San Marcos – Castillo de San Marcos hosts a special Civil War daytime event followed by Civil War themed candlelight tours of the fort. All day at the Castillo, Civil War era demonstrations will be showcased from Cannon firings by the Wabash crew, to Union Infantry demonstrations both in and out of the fort. Admission to the Castillo during the day is free. The Candlelight tours take place at 6:15, 7 and 7:45 p.m. Admission is $8 adults, $4 children 5-15 and under 4 are free. 1 South Castillo Dr. St. Augustine904-829-6506 x 233 www.nps.gov/casa

Darius Rucker Concert – Darius Rucker returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with the Eli Young Band and Corey Smith. Rucker, who first attained multi-platinum status as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Hottie & the Blowflish, was inducted into the Grand Old Opry in October 2012. His singles continue to top the charts with songs like “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Alright” which earned him the New Artist award from the Country Music Association. Tickets range from $45.50 – $65.50. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. (gates open 5:30 p.m.) 1340 A1A South St. Augustine. 904-209-0367 www.staugamphitheatre.com

Saturday & Sunday: April 19 & 20

National Parks Weekend at Castillo de San Marcos - Enjoy free admission as the Castillo de San Marcos kicks off their annual celebration of National Parks Week. The Castillo is open from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cannon firings and historic weapons demonstrations take place throughout the day. 1 South Castillo Dr. St. Augustine 904-829-6506 x 233 www.nps.gov/casa

Sunday: April 20 Easter Sunday

Lincolnville Farmers Market – Eddie Vickers Park hosts this farmer’s market with farm-fresh vegetables, meats/fish, cheese, bread, treats, arts & crafts, prepared food, jewelry, picnic areas, playground and more! Live music by The House Cats. Every Sunday from noon – 4 p.m. 399 Riberia St., St. Augustine. www.facebook.com/lincolnvillefarmersmarket

Vilano Beach Easter Sunrise Service – The Church at Vilano and Christian Communion of St. Augustine/Vilano host the 14th Annual Vilano Beach Easter Sunrise Service. The 45-minute beach service will contain songs, dance, Scripture, and a brief message about the joy and hope of the Christian experience. The worship service is at 6:45 a.m. with meditational music at 6:15 a.m. Ocean baptism will follow. Park on the beach, street, or at Publix. Bring chairs and blankets. Rev. Sam Schlegel, 904-808-8304 www.facebook.com/churchatvilano

Crescent Beach Easter Sunrise Service – Greet the Easter sunrise with thousands of worshippers at Crescent Beach. The program, presented by Crescent Beach Baptist Church, begins at 7 a.m. on the beach with special music and an inspiring message. 45 Cubbedge Rd., St. Augustine. 904-794-7777

St. Augustine Easter Promenade – This 56th annual promenade features St. Augustine locals and visitors alike promenading in their Easter finery. Prizes are awarded for prettiest hats, most creative hat, best dressed couple, best dressed girl, boy and pet, largest family, family from farthest away, and guess the weight of a giant, live bunny. Contest registration starts at noon. The promenade takes place in St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion at 12:30 p.m. 904-315-7414.

Jazz Jam and Spring Fling – The St. Augustine Jazz Society presents a full afternoon of entertainment, food and dancing. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. with an Easter luncheon, followed by Dancing With the Stars; the Many Faces of Lorri Gill — a one-woman musical comedy show; music and dancing with E.T. Swing Band; a Jazz Jam; and a best Easter hat contest. Lots of great prizes! Tickets are only $20 each for this “six-course entertainment” spectacular. All proceeds benefit the Society’s scholarship program. It all takes place at the Royal St. Augustine Golf & Country Club. For tickets, call 904-471-8641. 301 Royal St. Augustine Parkway, just off S.R. 16, St. Augustine. www.staugustinejazzsociety.org

Annual St. Augustine Easter Parade - Features marching bands, floats, drill teams, clowns, the Easter Bunny, the Royal Family and the city’s carriage horses wearing hats donated by nationally- recognized women. The parade begins at 3 p.m. at the Mission of Nombre de Dios and winds through downtown St. Augustine. Trophies will be presented in four categories. 904-829-2333.

Family Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt and Plaza Stroll – Celebrate Easter with this free, one-hour, guided walking tour of the beautiful monuments in the city’s historic Plaza de la Constitucion – plus,go on a traditional Easter egg hunt with prizes and candy for the kids! It’s the perfect way to have fun while learning about all of the cultural influences that have left their mark here, including explorers, entrepreneurs and famous personalities. The free tour departs at 4 p.m. from the Tour St. Augustine office. Reservations required. 4 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904-825-0087 www.StAugustineCityWalks.com

Local Resident Specials

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, Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience Exhibit, and the Hotel Ponce de Leon Legacy Tours at Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery 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 a current list of Florida resident specials, Mid-week vacation packages and other Hot Deals on Florida’s Historic Coast, visit www.floridashistoriccoast.com/listings/deals.

For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1-800-653-2489.

To submit events to be included on the VCB Events calendar and website, please submit details to