We are coming up on one of the most important and exciting anniversaries for thousands of local residents to celebrate –- The 200th Anniversary of the Fernandina Beach Historical Old Town (I wrote about this event last week, but I’ve since received some new information you may like to know.)

I spoke with my friend Judie, over at SearchAmelia, who’s on the Committee for the Bicentennial Celebration. (She wrote a blurb about this event as well. You can go here to read that article.)
Judie was kind enough to give me a little sneak preview of the event’s happenings.
Here’s a brief list of all the fun festivities you can look forward to experiencing with your family.

Fernandina Beach Historical Old Town Bicentennial Celebration

Saturday April 02, 2011

Punctual Festivities:

9:30am – Opening ceremonies at the Plaza in Old Town, location of the old forte (look up name of fort, location and marker).

9:45am – pirate invasion
Throughout-the-Day Festivities:

- All day there will be Spanish music playing

- Spanish Flamenco dancers

- Fort-to-fort 5K family run

- Exciting treasure hunt for the kids!

- Amelia Island Sail Club will have a sail boat race

- Walking tours of Old Town conducted by Fernandina Beach Museum of History

- Bosque Bella tour

- Historical home tours

- 2 sessions of pirate school (how to become a pirate)

- Real-time Archeological Digs (I ‘m especially excited about this one!)

- Park services will have a naturalist on site to do nature tours

- The Genealogist Society will be on site, doing custom family tracing

- Our Amelia Island Singers will be performing

- Petanque court set up (free and open to the public)

- Vignettes of Old Town history will be present

- Fort Clinch soldiers will do reenactments on the plaza

- The Pirate Club will have a weapons display
Rumored Festivities:

There is word on the street that there may be a fantastic cocktail sunset music extravaganza!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what Old Town is, according to the Newsleader; “[Old Town was] originally the site of the town of Fernandina, which has the unique distinction of being the last Spanish city platted in the Western Hemisphere. Retaining the 1811 plat, as well as the historic homes in the area, is of special importance.”

I’m sure the city and our local historical societies and committees have done all they can (within reason) to promote this wonderful event, but as dedicated members of this beautiful paradise we call home, I encourage all of you to find a deeper sense of community and explore the history of our town and its ever-fascinating progression throughout time.
For those of your who don’t know; it truly is a remarkable story to be heard. While you’re on your journey to becoming a well-informed citizen, consider helping spread the word about the Bicentennial Celebration! “Talk history” next time you’re at the punch bowl; you never know who might be interested in coming out and showing some local, historical pride along side you!

For more information, you can to the official website, OldTownFernandina.org.