2019 HURRICANE REVITALIZATION BASH
By Deborah DeSilets
The Florida Scallop Music and Arts Festival have been pushed to the metal in the past two hurricane seasons with consecutive years of disruptions ending with Hurricane Michael. Yet one more time, the community— in conjunction with local North Florida musicians and artists— have pulled together hand to hand to hold the line and make this 2019 festival possible. This year’s revitalization celebration is to be held over Labor Day Weekend., August 30- September 1, at the George Core Lighthouse Park, Port St. Joe, Florida—a mere 13 miles from the eye of Hurricane Michael. Undertaking the task to keep the festival alive, Rick Ott and Friends in conjunction with the Port St. Joe community will make this Festival on the Bay one that encircles a people dedicated to this town where their will, will not be broken.
For talent, Rick reached out to the community businesses and musicians to create a production line-up that highlights the best of North Florida pickers and singers. The arts community felt strongly that something as special as this, something so alive as this and so enriching to the community as this should not be wiped out and washed up on the bay yet another relic of Michael’s fury. “All the entertainment has volunteered their time to support the community that has supported them all these years and now are doing their part give back. Each performer has agreed to commit with no-funding—understanding that to mean that this is a free-gig for them if attendance doesn’t cover expenses. These musicians noted that, “People over there had a rough time, and it’s not a problem to give back some love.’
Again, this year festival offers families and pets a friendly environment—bring your chairs and blankets to relax on the lawn, at the foot of the beer garden, next to wafting smells of great seafood by food vendors, and watch a Frisbee toss. Come have fun of the City’s front lawn on the Bay perfect for relaxing and strolling. Expect good eats as it looks like it’s been a bumper crop year for scallops and plenty will be available. Bring your bathing suit and sun block for hours of recreational fun in the sun on the bay for the whole family! The City made a special effort to rewire the park electrical so that food vendors, art and furniture makers can offer their wares for your delight.
Folk’s attendance in the key to the success of this festival. This year’s tickets sales will drive the next year, and the next if you come out now and show your support. We need your support this year. So, Let’s go! Come on out and make your contribution: The Show must go on!! It’s the time to push back with a force of heart and soul that raises the playing field and gets the festival rolling again. This weekend revitalization celebration will embrace recovery, resilience and remembrance! Everybody at the door is a hero!
Now people come! Place your support and show your faith in the Bay. Join in, as we all join hands around our arts and pay forward to rebuild the community spirit. Let’s all watch in August this symbol of our community as it rises like a Phoenix. For 27 years this festival weathered the winds and carried our dreams. It is our time to rebuild and refortify and regenerate in song, spirit and survival of our heritage festival; the Florida Scallop Music and Arts Festival on the banks of Old Port St. Joe—one of the most pristine and peaceful places on the Panhandle.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL GOTO: www.scallopfest.fl.org
