Amelia Island’s annual Shrimp Drop set for New Year’s Eve
Now that Dickens on Centre has passed, Amelia Island is looking ahead to the annual New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop. The crustacean sensation was ranked the No. 3 Best New Year’s Eve Drop in the United States by USA Today.
Amelia Island’s New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop is a unique local tradition; locals and visitors alike gather along the dazzling riverfront in downtown Fernandina Beach (North Front Street) to watch a giant shrimp covered in lights fall from the sky as part of an annual tradition to welcome a new year.
Festivities run 5-8 p.m. and the Shrimp Drop occurs at 7 p.m. The event features live music, food vendors, family-friendly festivities, fireworks and more, as crowds gather to enjoy Amelia Island’s own unique “shrimp-sized” take on the Times Square Ball Drop.
Democratic Club to meet Jan. 8
The Ponte Vedra Democratic Club will hold its January monthly meeting Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Chat & chew at 5:30 p.m., meeting at 6 p.m. Florida Times-Union political columnist Nate Monroe will offer his take on the upcoming administration in D.C. and here in Florida. For additional information, go to PVDemClub@gmail.com.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday inside the Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Road. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, tea, seasonal treats, soap, jewelry, plants and more.
FBI agent to speak at Coastal Friends luncheon
Coastal Friends will host Amanda Vidal, FBI agent, as the guest speaker at the Wednesday, January 8 luncheon. Vidal will talk about scams and frauds and how to recognize and protect oneself. The luncheon runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will be held at Marsh Landing Country Club, 25655 Marsh Landing Parkway, Ponte Vedra Beach. Normally held on the first Wednesday of every month, because of New Years Day, this luncheon will be held on Jan. 8.
This luncheon is open to members and guests, as well as the community. Lunch will consist of field green salad with dressing, chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and bread pudding with vanilla glaze. Reservations must be made in advance by contacting the luncheon chairman at bartshar@comcast.net. The deadline for checks to be received is Friday morning, Jan. 3.
Established in 1998, Coastal Friends (formerly known as Newcomers Alumnae) is a social club comprised of women who live in and near Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville and the surrounding area, and St. Augustine. Some of the many activities offered are ladies adventures and outings, book club, bunco, canasta, happy hour, lunch in, lunch out, mah jongg, samba and wine socials.
Luncheons are held on the first Wednesday of every month, except for July and August. New members are welcome throughout the year.
Contact brookemeister@msn.com for more information on how to join.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
