CRESTVIEW — The Main Street Crestview Association will honor all military service members with a Veterans Day observance.

The event starts with a 9 a.m. parade Nov. 11 on Main Street; it's followed by an 11 a.m. remembrance ceremony beside the Veterans Memorial Wall at Main Street and Courthouse Terrace.

The parade will begin on Main Street south of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. To be a parade participant, go to www.mainstreetcrestview.org/msca/events for an application.

Call Sandra Wilson, 850-810-6722, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview sets annual Veterans Day observance

CRESTVIEW — Rain came first, and then the temperature dropped into the 60s, but that did not stop hundreds of people who attended the Crestview Fall Festival on Saturday. 

The annual Main Street Crestview Association event took place 1-6 p.m. downtown. People of all ages, along with animals, many dressed in costumes, were out in full force enjoying the festivities.

The Fall Festival offered a variety of games, booths and food. There was Knockerball, a type of soccer in a bubble, and Pick a Duck and Ring Toss where participants could win prizes. Cupcake walks, photo booths and a cornhole toss were also on hand as well as horseback riding and soccer.

Smells of popcorn and funnel cakes mixed with the aroma of barbecue coming from Hub City Smokehouse and Grill. Hot apple cider was available for this chilly day as well as chicken on a stick.  Candy was abundant as each booth’s volunteers handed it out to attendees.

Children dressed for the costume contest as princesses, Power Rangers and other superheroes, “Harry Potter” characters, firefighters, police officers and skating dinosaurs. Dogs were not to be outdone. Canines were there for the costumed pet contest dressed as pirates, hotdogs and pumpkins.

Whole families dressed up as well. The Bowser family dressed up and brought their lab, Capt. Jack Sparrow, who came as a lion. Dimitri Sanchez and his mom, Jessica Lorkowski, brought their dog Champ dressed as a shark. Angie Nousiainen was there with her Great Dane who was dressed as a school bus. There was even a pet pig dressed as a lobster. 

Many booths offered crafts and homemade items such as canned jellies and cookies. There was a Wax Impressions booth where a wax mold could be created from hands. Many booths were sponsored by groups such as local real estate agents, the Crestview Rotary Club, Bob Sikes Elementary School Safety Patrol, and by many local churches.

Small businesses such as Scentsy and LuLaRoe had booths as well as the Air Force. Local high school students staffed the booth supporting Students Working Against Tobacco. Martial arts demonstrations and palm readings were also given. There was also a rock swap where people could exchange rocks they had painted and signed.

A special guest at the Fall Festival was Travis Charpentier, a local actor who has played numerous zombies in AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” He had helped support his niece, Katelyn Meinert, a senior wrestler at Crestview High with a zombie walk fundraiser on Saturday.

In addition, the association sold engraved bricks that could be placed in downtown Crestview. They were $35 each. The association also sold Crestview cookbooks.

“I am so impressed with the crowd… It is fabulous!” Alisa Burleson, with the Main Street Crestview Association, said. “Plus, Sandra Wilson and others in our group did a great job pulling all of this together!”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'It is fabulous!'

CRESTVIEW — Mae R. Coleman will host an open discussion about issues facing youths in the Crestview community.

The brief meeting is set 10 a.m. Oct. 28 in front of Mount Zion AME Church, 502 McDonald St., Crestview. The block between Edney and School Avenues will be blocked off temporarily for the event.

Parents and teenagers may attend the event hosted by Coleman, who is a community leader and activist.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Discussion on youth issues scheduled

CRESTVIEW — If you have an event you would like to submit, send your first and last name and information about the event to news@crestviewbulletin.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 3 things to do this week in Northwest Florida

CRESTVIEW — Haylee Turnage is a 16-year-old on a mission.

The Crestview High School student is working to collect 800 stuffed animals for children from Oct. 27 to Dec. 1.

The toys will be donated to kids at the hospital who can't celebrate Christmas.

"I love kids and I've always wanted to help the ones in need. Plus, it breaks my heart knowing that kids will be in the hospital on Christmas, so I really want to help out and make them happy. I believe every kid should get a chance to celebrate it and/or get something, and I am going to try and make that happen," she said.

The toys can be new or used, as long as they're in good condition.

People who wish to donate may contact her at Haylee Turnage on Facebook, or email hayleet@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'I really want to help'

CRESTVIEW — Two days before her 104th birthday, Mary Richardson was surrounded by relatives, friends and staff members at the Crestview Rehabilitation Center. Attendees also included Crestview Mayor David Cadle.

The celebration was the first of three parties in her honor, according to her son, John Richardson of Baker. Her fellow church members at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Baker held a party for her the weekend of Oct. 22, followed by a family get-together at a relative's home.

"I never thought it would happen — 104 years old. She didn't either," John Richardson said.

That doesn't stop him giving her a challenge every now and then though.

"I tell her we should race up and down the halls, but she won't give me a head start," he said.

See more birthday celebration videos

Born in Iowa, Mary and her family moved to Colorado when she was 15. She met her husband, John Richardson, there, after his family moved up from Mississippi. The two ranched and raised their four sons in their 65 years together. Her husband died at age 90 in 2004.

When the center began planning Richardson's birthday celebration, they requested people turn in 104 birthday cards to surprise her with. School and youth groups, and individuals sent in approximately 515 birthday cards to her. Baker School's leadership students brought 104 of their own. Girl and Boy Scout troops also contributed several cards to the total amount.

"These are going to take me a while to get through," Richardson said.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Area residents send over 500 cards to Crestview 104-year-old

CRESTVIEW — A memorial ceremony was held on Saturday at Floral Designs recognizing one year since the death of Keith Crum, the son of the business’ owners.

Crum died Oct. 21, 2016 from a heroin overdose. His lifetime friend, Rhiannon Reiss, died from a heroin overdose on Sept. 29 of this year. The parents of both Crestview residents joined together to hold a memorial and to bring awareness to the disease of drug addiction.

According to Crum’s mother, Corrin Mohon, they want to bring drug dealers off the streets and try to raise money to provide rehabilitation for those who can’t afford it but need the help.

“We had no idea,” Michael and Rhonda Reiss, Rhiannon’s parents, said of the problem.

The families and numerous friends gathered in front of Floral Designs, dressed in purple for heroin awareness, and released purple balloons with messages on them.

Currently, the families are focused on raising awareness, but will begin trying to raise funds to go toward the cause, as well as making the balloon-release ceremony an annual event.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'We had no idea'

CRESTVIEW — Here’s a calendar of upcoming events in North Okaloosa County and surrounding areas. 

PLANT SALE, FOOD PANTRY BENEFIT: 7 a.m. to noon Oct. 28 at First Presbyterian Church of Crestview's parking lot, 492 Ferdon Blvd. N. Over 150 plants will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting local food pantries. Donations also accepted.

OPPORTUNITY PLACE WINE & CHEESE FUNDRAISER:  2-4 p.m. Oct. 29, Magnolia Grill Restaurant, 157 Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach. "Raise Your Glass" fundraiser benefits Opportunity Place, a temporary shelter for homeless Okaloosa women and families. Includes a variety of wines, a large selection of food and a silent auction with sponsored baskets available. Volunteers also needed. Tickets: $25 at www.opifwb.org or 659- 3190. Mail donations to: Opportunity Place, 305 Lovejoy Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.

MCTEACHER NIGHT FUNDRAISER: 5-7 p.m. Nov. 2 at the McDonald's close to Crestview High School. A percent of all drive-through and lobby sales will go to the school safety patrol program.

SPEEDEE PRINTING & LOU LOU BEANS RELAY FUNDRAISER: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3, 961 Ferdon Blvd. S, Crestview. Donate $5 or buy a lunch plate and receive a Lou Lou Beans coupon for 40 percent off. The coupon is valid Nov. 3 and 4 only. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life.

HOME BUYERS BOOTCAMP SEMINARS: 9-11 a.m. Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m. Nov 4, or 1-3 p.m. Nov. 5 at Comfort Inn & Suites, 900 Southcrest Drive, Crestview. First-time homebuyers may attend free seminar for details like where to start, the steps in the process and other information from industry experts including lenders, title agents and real estate agents. Contact Andrew Tveit, 603- 9088 or Andrew.tveit@floridamoves.com, to RSVP due to limited seating.

BLUE ANGELS HOMECOMING AIR SHOW: 9:30 a.m. Nov. 10 and 11 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Sky Hawk Drive. Gates open at 8 a.m. both days. Admission, parking and blanket seating are free. Other seating tickets may be purchased at www.naspensacolaairshow.com/. The Friday Night Air Show is 4-6 p.m. Nov. 10 at NAS. The non-Blue-Angels event features aircraft that light up the sky with full afterburner and pyrotechnics. Performances include Bob Carlton in a Vertigo Air Shows Jet Glider;  Paul Wood in an A-4 Skyhawk; a Mig-17 with pilot Randy Ball; the Super Stearman, with Greg Shelton and Wing Walker Ashely Shelton; and John Klatt in the Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco. The Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team; Chris Darnell, driving the 300-plus-mph Shockwave Jet Truck; and other acts will perform. Food and memorabilia will be available at numerous concession stands. Pets and coolers are not permitted.

 HISTORY SANDWICHED-IN: noon Nov. 10, Heritage Museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Free to attend. Edward L. Hubbard, author and artist, will discuss the "Human Potential: A State of Mind." He'll share life experiences and lessons learned while in captivity for six and a half years in North Vietnam, to help create a new attitude where people become passionately committed to the revitalization of America. Bring a sandwich. Call 678-2615 to RSVP due to limited space.

PINE FOREST UNITED METHODIST FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11, Pine Forest United Methodist Church, 2800 Wilde Lake Blvd., Pensacola. Over 160 arts, crafts and other vendors, food, and live music. Free admission and parking. Door prizes. Proceeds used for community ministries. www.pineforestumc.org or 944-0170.

RELAY FOR LIFE PRINCESS BALL: 6-9 p.m. Nov. 11, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive. Father-daughter dance for girls age 13 and younger and their escorts. Moms may take pictures of the official entrance of their princesses. Only princesses and their escorts may dine and dance. Tickets are $40 for each princess and her escort, and $15 for each additional princess in the family. There are only 300 tickets available for the event. All net proceeds benefit the Crestview Relay For Life. Details: Chris Cox, 902-1075, or Loney Whitley, 537-4654 or 603-3500. Ticket pick-up is 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, and 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Panera Bread in south Crestview.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION MEETING: 3 p.m. Dec. 14, training room of the Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

Meeting schedule and location are subject to change. For updates and agendas, visit www.wfrpc.org or email tiffany.bates@wfrpc.org, or 332-7976, extension 217.

BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.

CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.

MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.

BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.

REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.

LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall.

DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.

ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.

OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.

HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.

HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.

LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.

CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. Oct. 25, Crestview chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive. Become more involved in the Crestview chamber by joining the Ambassadors Committee. Network and grow your business. Details: Amber Ellis or Karen Donaldson, ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What’s Happening in North Okaloosa County

NICEVILLE — Strolling the Cliffs of Moher while enjoying its views. Walking, shopping and sightseeing on the Royal Mile. Ogling the soaring viaduct over which Harry Potter’s “Hogwarts Express” chugged. And planting a wet one on the famed stone at Blarney Castle.

These are just some of the experiences awaiting participants on Northwest Florida State College’s “On the Celtic Fringe: Legends and Landscapes of Ireland and Scotland” adventure in May 2018.

It's the third educational and cultural tour of Europe led by David Simmons, professor of humanities and film at the college, and is the group's first to venture to the northern United Kingdom.

“Explore with us the history, people and culture including medieval castles, landscapes, art and architecture, music and contemporary visual culture of Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland,” Simmons said, inviting students, faculty and friends of the college on the excursion.

Sights and landmarks on the May 14-26, 11-night experience include:

• Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle; St. Mary’s Close; Rossyln Chapel, made famous in “The Da Vinci Code”; and Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace, Linlithgow Palace, among other castles and sites

• Loch Lomond, the Kelpies, Stirling Castle and Sir Walter Scott’s Trossachs National Park, which inspired his celebrated poem, “The Lady of the Lake,” which he set in what became Scotland’s first national park.

• The Glenfinnan Viaduct, the landmark arched bridge featured in four Harry Potter films as the route of the “Hogwarts Express” steam train; Fort William; Glencoe and Glen Etive, filming locations for the James Bond film “Skyfall,” “Braveheart,” “Rob Roy,” Harry Potter films, and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”

• Belfast: Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum; the Necropolis; Glasgow Cathedral; and the Peace Wall with its political murals, commemorating the end of “the difficulties” that plagued Catholics and Protestants for more than a century

• Dublin: The Giant’s Causeway natural rock formation; dramatic Carrick-a-Rede Bridge; Castle Ward, which was “Winterfell Castle” in the HBO series “Game of Thrones”; and Newgrange, a prehistoric site predating Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt

• Cork: Trinity College Library, where participants will behold the ninth-century illuminated manuscript, “The Book of Kells”; Blarney Castle, where stone-kissing is optional but assures the smoocher of good fortune, legend says; English Market, one of the UK’s best covered markets; and the Cliffs of Moher, which Condé Nast Traveler calls “the best cliff view in the world.”

Though seemingly packed with activities, sights, lectures and insight from local landowners, historians and farmers, “On the Celtic Fringe” also offers a surprising amount of free time for hiking, exploring, walking and shopping, a rarity on most package tours but expected on NWFSC’s Humanities explorations in which participants are encouraged to set out and explore further at their own pace.

Contact Simmons, simmonsd@nwfsc.edu, 729.6074, or visit Facebook.com/groups/celticfringetour/ for more information on the event.

Space is limited to just 28 participants to assure a personal experience.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwest Florida State to present Celtic tour

Here are upcoming Crestview Public Library-related events. The library's address is 1445 Commerce Drive.

AGES 0-2 LIBRARY CLASS: 9:15 a.m. Crestview library. Topics: Oct. 27, Halloween (wear non-scary costume if you like); Nov. 3 and 17, Thanksgiving; Dec. 1, On the Go; and Dec. 8 and 15, Christmas.

AGES 3-5 LIBRARY CLASS: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview library. Topics: Oct. 31, Halloween (wear a non-scary costume); Nov. 7 and 14, Giving Thanks; Nov. 28, On the Road; and Dec. 5 and 12, Wrap It Up.

FIRST TUESDAY TALKS: 10:30 a.m. first Tuesdays at the library. Topic: Nov. 7, How to Love Your Wardrobe, by Anna Maria Garza, fashion designer and stylist.

FAMILY LIBRARY TIME: for ages 4 and up. Visit the library for details as the date nears.

• 6:30-7:15 p.m. Nov. 21 — Wild Things. Guess which wild animal left the waste. Dissect owl pellets.
• 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 — Noel Night. Music, makings and munchies.

READ TO DOZER: First Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.; for children ages 4 and up.

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

TEEN TIME: 2-4 p.m. Fridays in the meeting room, Crestview library. Featuring Wii and virtual reality games, etc. For sixth- through 12th-graders.

AGES 3-5 LIBRARY CLASS: 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Crestview library. May 9 topic is Praiseworthy Parents.

READ TO DOZER: First Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.; for children ages 4 and up.

COFFEE & CRAFT: 10 a.m. second Saturdays, Crestview library. Call 682-4432 to reserve your spot.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: UPCOMING