FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A free festival celebrating American history and the nation’s 250th birthday will bring historical reenactments, Scouting activities, exhibits, entertainment, and more to Fort Walton Beach on Oct. 10.
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Scouting America’s Gulf Coast Council, with support from the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission, will host the America 250 Heritage Festival and Scouting Expo at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center, formerly the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds.
The event opens to the public at 9 a.m. at 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd.
According to the Gulf Coast Council, activities will include historical reenactments representing multiple periods of American history, museum displays, military and veterans exhibits, Native American exhibits, blacksmithing demonstrations, leather and wood branding, flintknapping, community displays, craft vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and music.
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The festival will also feature flag retirement ceremonies. Members of the public are invited to bring U.S. flags that are ready for retirement.
“The Gulf Coast Council is proud to be able to bring the best of Scouting to Northwest Florida families,” said Council Executive and CEO Chris Sams.
“Scouting America was created to celebrate what makes our Country great by guiding youth toward a future where they are leading this country according to the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.”
Scouts will camp at the property throughout the weekend, cooking their own food, working together in patrols and participating in activities designed to develop Scouting skills and teach American history.
The Scouting Expo is expected to include an encampment with pioneering, cooking and skill exhibits, a Cub Scout extravaganza with carnival games and crafts, flag retirement ceremonies and a Scouting photography contest.
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The public can also vote during the festival for winners of the “Celebrate America in Nature” Photo Contest, featuring nature photographs taken by photographers across Northwest Florida.
Photo submissions are being accepted through Oct. 4. Contest rules and entry information are available on the America 250 Heritage Festival website.
The event will also serve as a community food drive, with attendees encouraged to bring canned food donations. Admission is free.
The Gulf Coast Council serves youth in 11 counties across Florida and Alabama through the Pensacola Bay, Choctawhatchee, Lake Sands and Longleaf Pine districts. More information is available on the Gulf Coast Council website.
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