THE WEEKEND GUIDE...All that's hip & happening in the Apalachicola River ...

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY
Kickoff the weekend with a free wine tasting at Smokin’ Spirits next to the Quick Pic on SR 20 West in Blountstown. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will also be on tap. As Alan Jackson says, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere and it will literally be 5 o’clock when this event gets underway. The fun and free goodies last til 8.

GET YOUR ART GROOVE ON
Admit it. You are long overdue for some cultural enrichment and watching “a Dog The Bounty Hunter” marathon doesn’t count. Start your Friday night with a stop at the Preble-Rish Gallery in downtown Blountstown where seven local artists will have their wares on display. Everything from paintings to pottery will be featured, along with the permanent Apalachicola River photography exhibit by Clyde Butcher. Tickets are a steal at $10, with wine and cheese included. Get them early at Blountstown Drugs or at the door.

REEL IN THE BIG ONE
The Blountstown FFA invites you to drop a line in the Chipola River and reel in the winnings. The fishing tournament is set for Saturday with registration at 6 a.m. at the landing on SR 20 near Clarksville. Boats launch at 6:30 and must return by 2 p.m. Entry fee is $10, plus an additional $5 to enter the big fish contest. Prizes are $100 for the best 25 pan fish and $50 for the biggest fish. Proceeds benefit the FFA.

PASS THE SYRUP
For a belly-fillin’ good time, get outta that bed and head to the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement Saturday morning where volunteers will be flippin’ pancakes and cookin’ sausage. Rise and shine...the all-you-can-eat feast starts at 6 and ends at 9. The cost is a donation (you choose the amount) to help complete the porch on the Club House. The Settlement is located inside Sam Atkins Park in Blountstown. Take Hwy. 20 west, turn at Lindy’s, drive into the park and follow the signs into the Settlement.

GATHER ON THE GREEN
Don’t waste that sugar high. After the pancake breakfast, cruise downtown to the greenspace next to Centennial Bank and expend some energy at the River Valley Marketplace sponsored by Blountstown Main Street. Arts, crafts, fresh produce and baked goods are for sale by local vendors. For a free booth space, just show up with your tables and wares or drop the tailgate for a truck sale. Businesses welcome. Open the first Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Call Lisa at 850-258-3985 if you need more info.