AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (June 2, 2011) – Northeast Florida’s barrier island near the Georgia border hosts a variety of popular events each year, entertaining residents and visitors alike. Amelia Island offers a calendar full of activities perfect for family outings and lovers of art, music, and the beach, plus history buffs. (Pictured left, Seaside Park in Fernandina Beach, the site of Amelia Island SunSplash Music Festival happening in August, 2011).

Enjoy summer at the seaside in Fernandina Beach with its small-town ambiance, award-winning restaurants, world-class accommodations, stunning natural beauty, and, of course, miles of gorgeous beaches. (For visuals, also browse hundreds of Amelia Island & Fernandina Beach photos in Amelia Island Living’s photo galleries.  Are you on Facebook?  View 29 photo albums on Amelia Island Living’s FACEBOOK page.

Happening the summer of 2011 on Amelia Island:

Sounds on Centre (June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, September 30)

The Historic Fernandina Business Association proudly presents Sounds on Centre, a free community concert held the first Friday of each month (March – October) in historic downtown Fernandina. Taking place on Centre Street between 2nd & Front from 6 to 8 p.m., each free concert provides opportunity for friends to get together, bring beach chairs and put on dancing shoes to enjoy a wide variety of local bands. The July 1, 2011 date is a special event featuring a “Fernandinaville Parrot Head Mania” theme with Jimmy Parish and the Ocean Waves creating a Margaritaville vibe on Centre Street.

Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park (June 4-5, July 2-3, August 6-7, September 3-4)

The Union Garrison takes place the first weekend of every month, featuring living history interpreters who bring Fort Clinch to life, giving visitors a chance to see how the soldiers lived during the Civil War. Activities may include powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. Additionally, soldiers and civilians offer a glimpse into garrison life by taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary, barracks and kitchen. Saturday events are held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday events are offered from 9 a.m. until noon. For more details, call (904) 277-7274.

“Twilight BYOB Cruise” by Amelia River Cruises (June 1, 2011 through August 31, 2011)

All aboard the new summertime evening “Twilight BYOB Cruise” by Amelia River Cruises, departing from the Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina (ticket booth at 1 Front Street on the riverfront boardwalk, call for reservations 904-261-9972). Does cruisin’ and boozin’ while listening to tunes on a sultry summer night sound intriguing? This new boat tour on the Amelia River is happening 7 days a week departing at 7 pm, (weather permitting), a 2-hour boat ride that also offers live entertainment featuring local artists. Listen to live music, see a sunset out on the water, and bring your own bottle to enjoy a drink – beer, wine or beverage of choice. This is an adult-oriented river cruise introduced by Amelia River Cruises in June 2011. The cost per adult is $29 plus tax, and also gets passengers presenting their ticket stub a drink special at Indigo Alley ($2 bucks off 1st drink) and Café Karibo (50% off 1st drink) on the same night as the cruise. The musicians who will be aboard include Larry LeMier, Sean McCarthy, David Voll, Hupp Huppman, Ray Hetchka, and Pew Schmidt, see Amelia River Cruises website for more information about all tours and entertainment schedule. NOTE: Folks can also still take the family-oriented sunset cruise departing evenings at 7:30 pm for about an hour boat ride ($14 kids, $18 seniors, $20 adults) offered spring through fall.

Artrageous Artwalks (June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10)

Every second Saturday, Artrageous Artwalks give visitors a chance to explore 12 different art galleries on the island, each featuring a variety of works, including photography, pottery, copper, metal, stained glass, watercolors, acrylics and more. Visitors can peruse more than a dozen galleries in downtown Fernandina, and the Plantation Artists’ Guild and Gallery located at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. Artrageous Artwalks are free to the public and take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

3rd on 3rd at the Amelia Island Museum of History (June 17, July 15, August 19, Sept. 16)

Each month, the Amelia Island Museum of History offers a presentation on the third Friday of the month. The presentations are on a variety of topics showcasing the intriguing history of the island. The event takes place at 6 p.m. at Baker Hall in the museum. For non-members, admission is $5. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org for more information about the museum exhibits and docent-led tours of Fernandina’s historic district.

FREE FATHER’S DAY FUN FIESTA (Saturday, June 18, 2011) at Central Park on Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Part of FAMILY FUN DAYS PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH PARKS & REC DEPT. A day celebrating Dads! Head to the park for fun and games this Father’s Day. Activities include: Father/son & father/daughter games at 11am (register for the games from 10-11am.) Raffle tickets available for Father’s Day gifts ($3 for 1, $10 for 5 tickets). Raffle drawing will be held at 12:30 pm (winners do not have to be present). Free inflatables, face painting, games, music and more. Celebration Party Rental will be displaying several of their inflatable slides, games and jumpers. (There will also be interactive carnival games and treats available for purchase: hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cones, funnel cakes, boiled peanuts, lemonade and more.) Enjoy some family time with Dad on his special day.

Stars & Stripes Freedom Festival July 4th, 2011 Holiday and Parade

Celebrate Independence Day on Amelia Island with the Stars & Stripes Freedom Festival at Central Park in Fernandina Beach, Monday, July 4, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival will be followed by a patriotic Parade on Centre Street at 7 p.m., a concert of Americana music at 8:30 p.m. in front of the Depot, and fireworks at the Fernandina Harbor Marina at approximately 9:30 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the festival on the Freedom Stage. Other activities include a Parent-Child Look-A-Like Contest, an All American Apple Pie Contest, teamwork games, Fun for the Kids playground, plus food and arts and crafts vendors.

FAMILY FUN DAYS PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH PARKS & REC DEPT. – JULY 23, 2011 – SUMMER SPLASH 10 am to 2 pm, water-based games and slides, food. Call for more info (904) 277-7350.

FAMILY FUN DAYS PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH PARKS & REC DEPT. — AUGUST 13, 2011 – BACK TO SCHOOL BONANZA, 10 am to 2 pm featuring free back-to-school giveaways (11 to 1 pm). Call for more info (904) 277-7350.

Wine Tasting at O’Kanes (July 19, August 16, September 20)

O’Kanes Irish Pub and Eatery is offering a wine tasting on the third Tuesday of each month. Sample 10 different wines while listening to live music in a festive atmosphere. Wine will be accompanied by an assortment of cheeses. The wine tasting starts at 6:30 p.m. and the cost is $10 per person. Visit www.okanes.com for more information.

Children’s Etiquette Class at Salt Restaurant, Ritz-Carlton (July 23)

Salt, the fine dining restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, is hosting a Children’s Etiquette Class on July 23. The two-hour class includes a three-course meal and instruction on manners for handshakes, introductions, dining etiquette and other basic life skills. The class is designed to instill confidence in children and help them become well-behaved little ladies and gentlemen. The recommended age is 6-12. For information and reservations, call (904) 277-1100.

Fernandina Beach Fishing Rodeo (August 5-7, 2011)

Presented by the Nassau Sport Fishing Association (NSFA), this new family-oriented fishing tournament is an opportunity to get families and friends out fishing together. The chance for prizes makes it all the more fun! Formerly called the “Nassau Sport Fishing Association Tournament of Champions,” the event is still an SKA sanctioned kingfish tournament that now targets a variety of deep sea and backwater game fish. The event has also been moved from the second week of June to August 5-7, 2011 with a totally new format. The fee to enter the rodeo is $100 per boat and the largest fish of 10 species can bring winner up to $1,000. Deep sea species for the rodeo portion of the event include amberjack, dolphin, grouper, wahoo and cobia. Backwater species include redfish, sea trout, flounder, sheepshead and the redfish with the most “spots.” The kingfish portion of the tournament requires a $350 entry fee and cash prizes will be given for nine places for the largest fish and 2nd place winners for “the heaviest 2 kingfish aggregate weight.” The fishing event will also give awards to junior angler, lady angler and 23-foot-and-under boat winners. Mark your calendars to be in Fernandina Friday evening, August 5, 2011 for the Fishing Rodeo’s captains meeting, to coincide with “Sounds on Centre” free street music concert 6-8 pm on historic Centre Street in the historic district. For more information call the tournament headquarters, Amelia Angler Outfitters 904-261-2870. Terry Lacoss is the Tournament Director.

Amelia Island SunSplash FREE Beach Music Festival(August 6-7, 2011)

The SunSplash Music Festival is held right on the beach with live bands, featuring rock, jazz, reggae, funk, blues, and more – all for free!   This year’s live entertainment included “The Resolvers” and “Klob.” Spend the day on Amelia Island’s beautiful beach at Seaside Park (Sadler Road beach access), grooving to great live music, with food, games and drinks (food and beverages including alcohol will be available for purchase).  This two-day festival in Fernandina Beach is hosting a variety of nationally recognized musical artists, a kid’s zone with tons of games and prizes (sandcastle building, face painting, arts and crafts), a swimwear fashion show, Eastern Surfing Association contest, and watermelon eating contest expected to attract hundreds to thousands of people of all ages.  The Second Annual Amelia Island SunSplash Music Festival is proud to announce collaboration with the Wounded Warrior Project. The goal is to raise over $10,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project and to provide a fun-filled day for the local community and warriors from all over our nation.   For more information and full event schedule, visit the Amelia Island SunSplash website.

The Cocktail Hour (August 4-20)

The Amelia Community Theatre presents a performance of “The Cocktail Hour”, a poignant comedy by A. R. Gurney. Performances are scheduled for August 4-6, 11-14, 18-20 at the new theater at 207 Cedar Street. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.AmeliaCommunityTheatre.org.

Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off (August 26-27, 2011)

Amelia Island’s second Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cook-Off, Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27. Barbeque cooking teams from across the country will compete for cash and prizes – and, of course, bragging rights! The event, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, is held at Main Beach Park on Amelia Island, “where the beach meats the brisket.” Visit www.gstailgatecookoff.com for more information.

Evening of Story & Song with Tricia Walker (September 3)

From 8 to 10:30 p.m., Mississippi native Tricia Walker will take the stage at Burns Hall at St. Peter’s Parish to charm and delight with her gorgeous voice and original songs about life, love, and living in the South. The cost is $15 for adults. Additional information is available by calling (904) 277-2664.

Amelia Island Blues Festival (September 16-17, 2011)

With the shimmering Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, the inaugural Amelia Island Blues Festival at Main Beach Park in Fernandina will include two days of outstanding music, great food, drinks and more. The all-star lineup features great blues artists such as Willie “Big Eyes” Smith; Albert Castiglia; David Gerald Band; Roger “Hurricane” Wilson; Blistur; Conrad Oberg; 6th Street Rhythm & Blues Review and many more. Visit www.ameliaislandbluesfest.com for the latest information.

Spanish American War Event at Fort Clinch State Park (September 17-18)

Fort Clinch State Park will commemorate the Spanish American War with uniformed interpreters and exhibits of the armament and period military equipment. The event will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. For details call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.