30A Songwriters Festival

The 30A Songwriters Festival brings together hundreds of artists, dozens of neighborhoods, venues and resorts, and thousands of music fans from all over to celebrate the art of songwriting along the beaches of 30a and Walton County. From small intimate cafes to large outdoor stages, the festival includes more the 30 great venues that are as diverse as the 175+ artists and their performances. 
Net proceeds from this long-running four-day tradition benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. Mark your calendars for next year’s festival January 12-15th, 2024.

Butler Bear Ball

The first annual Butler Bear Ball was held at the Churchill Oaks Clubhouse on Saturday, February 4th. With a gorgeous sunset view of the Bay, adults dined and danced under the stars to live music by Cadillac Willy. Just past the wall of champagne was an array of food stations (including sushi and a grilled cheese bar) and an extensive silent auction.  After bidding on items such as principal for a day and artwork made by the children, guests kicked up their heels in the Butler Bear Speakeasy. All proceeds from this event went to the PTO at Van R. Butler Elementary School.

Seaside School 5k & 1/2 Marathon

The 21st annual running of the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K was back in-person this year and took place on a beautiful, crisp Sunday morning in February. The annual charity race kicked off with its popular pre-party Taste of the Race which is also featured in this issue. Both races, the half marathon and 5K, started in Seaside with an out-and-back run along the coastal dune lakes of Highway 30A. These combined races serve as a fundraiser support-ing the Seaside Schools Foundation, and draws runners from all over the country.
The winner of the half marathon with a time of 1:15.46 was Derek Bovard, followed by David Campos and Mark Sidebottom in 2nd and 3rd respectfully. The top female finisher was Katie Sherron at 1:19.25. The overall winner of the 5K was D. Beroset with a time of 17:01.72. Caroline Couch was the women’s 5K winner with a time of 19:23.56. Following the races, everyone gathered in Seaside Square for a great breakfast provided by Great Southern Café followed by live entertainment on the stage. 

30A Wine Festival

The 30A Wine Festival held at Alys Beach is a five day extravaganza of exceptional wines and spirits paired with exquisite culinary creations. The week’s festivities began with an intimate dinner in the elegant setting of Caliza, followed by some of the Southeast’s most exquisite oysters accompanied by champagne and live music on the Plaza.  Hand crafted tequila cocktails complimented a four course dinner set in the enchanting canopy of Papilio Park, a welcome addition to this year’s festivities. And of course, crowd favorite Beer Bourbon and Butts as featured followed the trendy mixology seminar on Friday.
Saturday’s Grand Tasting along South Charles Street considered the centerpiece of the 30A Wine Festival, was blessed with beautiful spring-like weather as attendees to the sold out event enjoyed wines from around the world. Sunday rounded out the week with the Gospel Brunch followed by one of the most beloved events of the festival, Rose & Croquet. Kudos to the Alys Beach staff for creating such an inviting event for its homeowners, neighbors, and friends to experience. Holly Wright, the catering and events director, helped orchestrate the theme-filled evening along with the help of Circle City Ballon Co, the DJ spinning tunes, games to play and some incredible raffle prizes. Great to see a family-type atmosphere within a local company iconic with 30A. 

Taste of the Race

The Seaside charity race weekend kicked off on Friday with an evening under the stars at the annual race pre-party, Taste of the Race, hosted by Tom Glavine, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Braves’ pitcher and the Corchis Family, owners of Amici 30A Italian Kitchen and Amigo’s 30A Mexican Kitchen restaurants. Nearly 700 party-goers attended the Seaside party and 18 local chefs competed for top culinary awards. The Shrimp Shack, Team Dawson Group, won the coveted Chef’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice Award went to Jackacudas, Chef Orion Cordoves, and Judge’s Choice was awarded to Shunk Gulley, Chef Tyler. 

Pescado Party

Pescado and the Last Call Restaurant Group and its owners recently held a party for its large group of employees. The Courtyard at Pescado and the Rooftop Bar, both known for great events, an entertaining piano, wonderful wine dinners and an awesome New Years Eve party, used their expertise to throw a fabulous party for their own with staff from Pescado, Shades and Shaka all joining in for the fun. The Tap Room was a great venue for this crowd who loved to dance and have fun, a treat since they are quite often on the other side of entertaining,

Holly Wright, the catering and events director, helped orchestrate the theme-filled evening along with the help of Circle City Ballon Co, the DJ spinning tunes, games to play and some incredible raffle prizes. Great to see a family-type atmosphere within a local company iconic with 30A.