VALPARAISO — The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, along with the Eglin Cultural Resources Management, the Twin Cities of Valparaiso and Niceville, and Okaloosa County, commemorate VivaFlorida500, a statewide celebration of 500 years of Florida history, at the 37th Saturday in the Park Festival, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 20.
The exhibition, “Homesteading in Northwest Florida,” features artifacts discovered on Eglin Air Force Base from the time period of the Homestead Act of 1862. The materials and artifacts used in the exhibit are curated by Eglin Cultural Resources Management and were installed by archaeologists, Catherine Nolan and Teresa Brown.
In addition, this presentation showcases the VivaFlorida500 Time Capsule for Okaloosa County. The State of Florida issued each county a time capsule to be opened in 100 years.
The Official Okaloosa County Time Capsule Committee is conducting a poll from residents to make their suggestions as to what the capsule should contain. A monumental ceremony to seal the capsule will be announced later in 2013. Visit the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida on April 20 to make your suggestion and “Make History!”
The cities of Valparaiso and Niceville together organized a VivaFlorida500 Essay Contest for the cities middle schools. Participating students were to write an essay based on the question: “What do you think life will be like in Florida in 2113?”
At the conclusion of Saturday in the Park, Vicky Stever, with the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative, who has spear-headed the VivaFlorida500 project for Okaloosa County, will announce the winner, who will receive an iPad donated by the cities.
The festival takes place at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., and nearby Perrine Park.
Festival admission is free.
The day begins with the Heritage 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run and also features the People’s Choice Car Show and Parade. There will be folk artists, traditional heritage craft demonstrations, re-enactors, live entertainment, food and craft vendors, a children’s Kid Zone with old-fashioned games and toys, face painting, a bounce house and more.
The museum will be open free of charge all day.\
Information about the Heritage 5K, People’s Choice Antique Car Show, or Craft Vendor Space visit: heritage-museum.org or call 678-2615.
Schedule of Events
7 a.m. Race Day Registration – 5k Run/Walk & Kid’s Fun Run
7:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony
8 a.m. 5K Start – Followed by Kid’s Fun Run Start
8:15 a.m. Music by Clayton Lancaster
8:45 a.m. A Dance Studio
9:30 a.m. Race Awards – Hosted by Aimee Shaffer
10:15 a.m. Lewis Jazz Band
10:45 a.m. People’s Choice Antique Car Show Parade
11:15 a.m. Pyramid Players
11:45 a.m. Emerald Coast Barber Shop
12:15 p.m. Jazzy Blue Dance
12:45 p.m. Rocky Bayou Christian School Chamber Choir
1:15 p.m. EAFB Salsa Dancers Afuego
2 p.m. Watermelon Eating & Bubble Gum Blowing Contests
2:30 p.m. Civil War Violins
3 p.m. Destin Middle School Twirlers
3:30 p.m. Essay Awards/Car Show Awards
4 p.m. Close of the 37th Saturday in the Park
All day:
Free Museum Admission
Re-Enactors (Walton Guard & “Union Rebels”
Traditional Craft Demonstrations
Craft & Food Vendors
Live Entertainment
KID ZONE
(Old-fashioned Games & Toys, Crafts, Face Painting, Bounce House & more)
Heritage Bake Sale