Mark your calendars! The revival of the Beaux Art Ball with the added Artist Market the day after the Ball is being described as “what was and will be the premier event to support the arts in Walton County! Artists are called to exhibit in the Beaux Arts Artist Market on Saturday, September 26, 10:00am - 6:00pm.
A bit of history here: The Cultural Arts Association last held this wild & zany event in the early nineties with the proceeds benefitting various arts programs in Walton County. The CAA chose to revive the Beaux Arts Ball this year! It will feature the best live music, dancing, food prepared by some of the fine establishments at Grand Boulevard, specialty cocktail bars, along with wine & beer, and a silent & live local art auction.
The showcased artwork will be donated by artists participating in Saturday's ARTIST MARKET, which is a new component to the event. ALL proceeds will benefit the CAA, Seaside Repertory Theatre AND Sinfonia Gulf Coast!
Tickets to the Ball will go on sale August 15 online and at various locations between Rosemary Beach and Destin, including Tracery Interiors, Eileen West Gallery, CAA office and Grand Boulevard's information kiosk. Masks will also be available for purchase at those locations!  Costumes are optional, but masks are a must!
Are you an artist interested in participating in the Artist Market? Download an application.  Applications will be accepted by the first 50 artists to apply before September 1.  In lieu of a booth/exhibit fee, artists are required to submit at least one piece of artwork that will be showcased in the Beaux Arts Ball's silent/live auction. Call the Cultural Arts Association for more information at 850.622.5970. 

THE BALL} Friday, September 25
7:00 - 11:00pm
Grand Park in Grand Boulevard
$44 tickets

THE ARTIST MARKET} Saturday, September 26
10:00am - 6:00pm
North Lawn
Free and open to the public

Kilwin's Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream just celebrated its 2nd birthday last month. The fine owners, Paul and Kirsten Nykamp say they “are truly grateful to work and live in such an amazing community.” People like them make a community so nice to live in. They recently asked themselves how they could give back some of the love that has been given to them and as a result, came "Scoops for a Cause".

Now, they have teamed up with two great causes in the community to help support their goals through selling Kilwin's treats. Here is how it works...

On Monday, July 27 Kilwin’s will be donating 20% of their total sales from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to Jason Thompson (a local soccer coach and small business owner who found out he had a rare form of cancer on 6/2/09. Jason is uninsured.). A website as been created for Jason at www.kickingitforjason.com. They have asked Jason to create his favorite sundae which consists of toffee, butterscotch and vanilla ice cream (YUM!) and Kilwin’s will be highlighting Jason's sundae exclusively for that day only. Jason's family and friends are spreading the word for this event!

On Tuesday, July 28 Kilwin’s is partnering up with Destin Harvest and from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. they will donate the EXACT AMOUNT of ice cream sold at Kilwin's to Destin Harvest! A Destin Harvest representative will be available (specific time TBD) to answer questions and to explain what Destin Harvest is all about. Be sure to stop on by and drop off any food that you may have lying around as there will be a "Needs Drop Off" available at the store. The Nykamps say, “It is our hope that we can help these sweet causes by providing a remedy for the sweet tooth.”

Music in Grand Park Wednesdays has become a very happening place. This past Wednesday, local favorite Cheryl Jones played her eclectic brand of R & B-tinged pop and jazz and everything in between. She is such a consummate entertainer and regales listeners with her wonderfully colorful stories and anecdotes. One of the really fun and interactive parts of Cheryl's show is that she brings a large basket of cool percussion instruments for the kids to play with. The kids love being "part of the band!" Sharing the Wednesday performance slots in this summer series is Sean Dietrich, playing a wide range of jazz standards. Bring a chair or blanket and come prepared to enjoy an entertaining night of Music in Grand Park starting at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 850-654-5929 or visit grandboulevard.com.