Chautauqua Assembly in Defuniak Springs Florida to Offer Southern Flavor
The South is known for its unique hospitality. The Chautauqua Assembly, February 26-March 7, 2004, effectively blends world-class entertainment with internationally acclaimed academia and sprinkles it all with a generous helping of Southern flavor. This year’s event will even PAY participants to enjoy the festivities.
A feature of this year’s event-You Be The Paid Consultant!-will pay 30 attendees $75 each to design the active adult community of tomorrow. How’s that for hospitality? Sponsored by The Eagle Group, this interactive session will include universal design and the environmental, cultural, recreational, commercial and residential components required for successful development. Renowned interior designers, developers, engineers, golf course designers, and recreational experts will be there to guide the project through conception.
While some build the community of tomorrow, others stroll historic Circle Drive or delight in the Architectural Institute Tour of Homes. Step into history-northwest Florida’s surviving architectural history. The welcome mat sits ready. “Dream Cottage,” home of Wallace Bruce (who was instrumental in the establishment of the early Chautauqua) welcomes the return of Bruce through a theatrical performance. The Verandas-an exceptionally restored home of the early 20th century and rarely open to the public hosts a wine benefit. The grace of these and other Victorian homes surrounds Florida’s Chautauqua. Moss-laden oaks, cobblestone walkways, and azaleas in brilliant bloom beckon with Southern hospitality.
Southern characters-fabled or otherwise-spring to life center stage in The Way We Were. This performance of Ritch Brinkley and The Wayward Players delivers fact-based and fast-paced characters. The group is best known for their repertoire of biographical monodramas that reflect Florida’s panhandle past. Of course, the famed or eccentric are not restricted to the South…celebrated personas visiting Chautauqua 2004 also include England’s Winston Churchill (David Bloodworth), as well as Clara Barton and Louisa May Alcott (both portrayed by Jan Turnquist).
Novelist Billy Moore weaves his southern knowledge and affection into “Cracker’s Mule.” Dennis Hale grabs attention with the issue of prayer in public schools. “Cracker’s Mule,” captures the hardships of the rural South in the 1950s while Hale’s “Prayer Amendment – Part Fable, Part Wakeup Call,” tells of a southern governor elected on the promise of instituting prayer in public schools. Both novels paint a picture of a South not so long ago.
Ann Tucker explores the history of Creek pioneer families in north Florida. She will offer a brief study of tribal genealogy, government, language, stories, traditions and ceremonies. Historical documents accompany A People of One Fire. Those interested in Native American history and culture should not miss this!
Participants hone their own writing skills under the tutelage of journalists Candace Leslie, Lorraine Williams and Carroll Dale Short. Educators, photographers and selected professionals lead seminars and workshops. Dr. Sandy D’Alemberte (FSU president emeritus) addresses the tragedy of the war on drugs; and Dr. Horace Patterson, Sr. speaks to his escape from poverty and violence through the power of God. A traditional Victorian tea, theatre performances, musical presentations, roundtables, arts and crafts and an historical encampment delight both young and young-at-heart alike.
This year, Chautauqua Assembly presents a plethora of activities for the expressly for the younger audience. Movies, mime, a scavenger hunt, stomp dancing and Indian story telling keep children amused.
DeFuniak Springs, nestled in the piney woods of the state’s panhandle region, revived a tradition that began in 1885. The longest running southern Chautauqua took place in this genteel city from 1885-1920. The American Chautauqua Movement began just a few years before in New York and quickly spread across the U.S.-traveling as tent events in the 1920s. William Jennings Bryant called Chautauqua “The People’s University.” DeFuniak Springs’ Chautauqua created a cultural center that saw the creation of three colleges and welcomed Northern visitors at the dawn of Florida tourism. Learn the history, legacy and excitement that led to the resurrected Chautauqua Assembly.
For professionals, CEU courses are available: Antique River Wood Recovery Seminar – Interior Designers, Architects & Builders; Garden Design for Interior Designers & Architects; and Therapist Professional CEU Workshop-Children’s Therapy.
A special registration raffle prize is valued at $599 and includes a $300 gift certificate shopping spree at Silver Sands Outlet Mall, two nights’ accommodation at Sundestin, and dinner for two at Fudpucker’s. Additionally, the first 500 registrants will receive “goodie bags” courtesy of Silver Sands Outlet Mall. Raffle tickets are available for a $2 donation or 3 tickets for $5.
To obtain ticket and scheduling information, call 800 822 6877 or visit www.Florida-Chautauqua-Center.org
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January 26, 2004
Posted in: United States SouthEast