Festival to raise money for arts
DESTIN - The first Family Fun Arts Fest will be Sunday at Henderson Beach State Recreation Area.
The event, to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be hosted by the Okaloosa Arts Alliance in conjunction with the Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks.
"Art is a huge strength of Okaloosa County," said Superintendent of Schools Alexis Tibbetts, who will emcee a portion of the festival. "We have a large community of artists in our area and it's important to encourage art in our schools."
The festival, which has been in the works for about a year, will raise money for the Arts Alliance's grant fund, which awards money to programs and organizations that promote art in the county.
Tibbetts will emcee the event from 2 to 3 p.m. to promote art in schools.
Admission is free. The Arts Alliance will raise money mostly from vendor fees and a silent auction, said Amy Baty, the alliance's executive director.
"We wanted to make this a real family event," Baty said. "That's why all of our activities for kids are free."
Activities will include painting and drawing classes, a three-legged race and a sandcastle contest.
For adults, the festival will offer performances by local arts groups, a silent auction and various food and arts and crafts booths.
"Kids won't be bored. Adults won't be bored," Baty said. "There's something for everyone."
The Arts Alliance was formed in 2004 after branching off from the Arts Council of Northwest Florida, headquartered in Pensacola.
Since 2007, the alliance has awarded $10,000 in grants to local programs, including the Emerald Coast Chorus, Oz Children's Theaters, Fort Walton Beach High School and Lewis Middle School. Money raised from Sunday's festival will go toward the 2009 grants.
"We want to give out at least another $10,000," Baty said.
Organizations can apply for the grants in October. The money will be distributed in January.