More festivals to come in February

The smash-hit, two-day Arts Fest 2020 coming this weekend

We just do not ever tire of festivals, it seems! After two successful festivals over the past two weekends, the Port Salerno Seafood Fest and the Arts Festival of Hobe Sound, another is coming around the bend this weekend.

ArtsFest 2020, set for Feb. 8 and 9, at Memorial Park, 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart will be open from 10 a.m., to 7 p.m., Saturday, and 10 a.m., to 5 p.m. Sunday. More than just an outdoor art gallery, the Arts Foundation of Martin County plans to offer a range of live entertainment, artist demonstrations, interactive art activities for youngsters, the ever-popular Culinary Chopped Competition, an interactive literary village, and live music and dance performances. For more details, go to to martinarts.org.

In addition, a monthly one-day art show in Jensen Beach will be Sunday, Feb. 9, hosted by Jensen Beach Art League from 10 a.m., to 4 p.m., on the grounds of Elliott Museum, 825 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Shows are the second Sunday of each month from November through April. Remaining shows will be March 8 and April 12. Go to www.jensenbeachartleague.yolasite.com.

Besides the art shows, a variety of family-friendly events – indoors and outdoors – are planned in the area through February to entertain and inform you. Just take a look at what’s ahead.

Tuesday, Feb. 4
The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter – There’s a lot of wacky, offbeat creatures floating around in the water right at our door. Dr. Ellen Prager, marine scientist and author will speak on “The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter” as part of the Florida Oceanographic Series, 2020 Coastal Lecture Series at the Blake Library on Monterey Road in Stuart on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Based on the book Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime, this talk takes a look at marine biodiversity, its relevance to the average person, and why ocean life is now at risk. Admission: FREE. Call 772-225-0505.

Wednesdays through March 11
Korean War Film Series – It took two months’ worth of documentaries and war-related films to cover the 1950s Korean War, and Cold War veteran George Seaman will share his compilation by presenting the Korean War Film Series that began in January and will run weekly through March 11 at 10 a.m., at the Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. FREE. A display of custom scale military models representing a few of the land, sea and air military hardware components that took part in the Korean War will be in the Blake lobby for at least part of the series. Go to www.martin.fl.us/blake-library.

Friday, Feb. 7
The Legends: Buddy, Roy & Hank – Get into your virtual time machine and take a trip back to the 1950s to hear songs from legends of classic country music. Johnny Wild and the Delights will perform music made famous by Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison and Hank Williams Sr., on Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m., at the Kane Center, 900 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. Tickets: $35, Kane members; $40, non-members. Call 772-223-7800 or go to www.kanecenter.org.

Saturday, Feb. 8
Tacos, Beer & Dogs Country Concert – Enjoy tacos, partake in a beer or two (or other non-alcoholic beverages) and get a look at the dogs available for adoption or to foster at the Tacos, Beer & Dogs Country Concert at Pineapple Field, Jensen Beach, on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. on NE Jensen Beach Boulevard. Performers include Jess Lee, Cassidy Daniels and Raquel Renner. Admission: $25 per person. Call 772-224-3323 or got to thefarmdogrescue.com.

Sunday, Feb. 9
Music At The Mansion – Pack those lawn chairs in the car’s trunk and take the family for a few hours of music pleasure at Music At The Mansion at Tuckahoe, Indian Riverside Park, 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach on Sunday, Feb. 9, 3 to 6 p.m. FREE. Food and beverages available for purchase. Call 772-221-1430.

Thursday, Feb. 10
Lunch on the Fly – This one is truly “for the birds” – or, really, about the birds. John Nelson and Dr. Richard Forster will speak on “Where Have All the Birds Gone?” during Lunch On the Fly on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 11:30 a.m., to 12:30 p.m., in the theater at the Elliott Museum, 825 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, followed by an optional lunch with the speakers. Cost: $10, lecture only, museum members; $20, non-members. Add $10 per person for the optional lunch with the speaker. No walk-in lunches will be available. RSVP: 772-225-1961 or [email protected].

Monday, Feb. 10
Planting Native Plants Presentation – Not sure which are the best native plants to help dress up your front or back yard? Ellen Broderick, vice president and past president of the Martin County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, will give tips on the usefulness of native plants for landscaping and restoration. Her Planting Native Presentation will be part of the monthly meeting of the Garden Club of Stuart, set for Monday, Feb. 10, from 9:30-11 a.m., at Indian River State College, Wolf Technology Center, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart. FREE. Go to www.gardenclubofstuart.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 11
Light in the Sea: Extremes of Vision in Marine Giants – Ever wondered how various species of marine life can see so well in murky waters? Find out during “Light in the Sea: Extremes of Vision in Marine Giants,” given by Dr. Michael Grace, Florida Institute of Technology professor emeritus as part of the Florida Oceanographic Series, 2020 Coastal Lecture Series at the Blake Library in Stuart on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6:30-7:45 p.m. See how vision in large marine animals differs from human vision, and how insights into marine vision may help us understand visual disorders in humans. Admission: FREE. Call 772-225-0505.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 14, 15, 16
Brighton Field Day Festival – Okay, it’s not that far away to give your kids a day they’ll never forget while giving yourself a “field day” at the 82nd Annual Brighton Field Day Festival at the Fred Smith Rodeo Arena, Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation, 17400 Sports Complex Road Northeast, Okeechobee, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14, 15 and 16. Among the activities are alligator wrestling competition, White Mountain Apache Dancers, PRCA Rodeo, Xtreme Bulls and In Tlanextli Tlacopan – Axtec Fire Dancers. Also planned are a PRCA Rodeo on Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m.; and entertainers Meko & Pewo on Friday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m.; Elizabeth Cook on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Daily admission: $20; Friday admission for seniors (with I.D.) is $15; Sunday Veterans Day admission is $15 with ticket. For tickets, go to www.brightonfieldday.com.

Saturday, February 15
World’s Greatest Indoor Flea Market & Bake Sale – You might just find that “treasure” you’ve been looking for all these years at the Rio Civic Club’s Indoor Flea Market and Bake Sale at the Rio Civic Center, 1255 N.E. Dixie Highway, Jensen Beach on Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 a.m., to noon. Jewelry, antiques, collectibles, household goods, baby items and more for sale. Admission: FREE. Breakfast and lunch, as well as homemade baked goods, will be available for purchase. For detailed information, or to reserve a table ($15) to sell your own items, call 772-692-9826. Proceeds support area student scholarships and community projects. Isn’t it time you visited Rio?

Saturday, Feb. 15
Highwaymen Trail & Art Show Festival – Get a look at the history of Fort Pierce in the 5th Annual Highwaymen Heritage Trail & Art Show Festival on Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m., to 4 p.m., at Moore’s Creek Linear Park, Avenue D and 8th Street, Fort Pierce. The park is in the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, birthplace of the Highwaymen artists, said to begun the “Last Great American Art Movement of the 20th Century.” Featured will be many of the original and second-generation Highwaymen artists who will display and sell their art, along with tribute booths for several of the deceased artists. Admission: FREE. Also live jazz music, food and novelty vendors and a Kid’s Zone. Guided tours of the award-winning Highwaymen Heritage Trail will be available throughout the event, by reservation only, by calling 772-467-3183. A.E. Backus Museum and Gallery will host a Highwaymen Open House Weekend Feb. 14-16 in conjunction with the Highwaymen Festival. A free shuttle for visitors to travel between the Highwaymen Heritage Trail Festival and the Backus Museum will be provided.

Saturday, Feb. 15
The Barn Theatre Gala Party – Nearing a half-century in age, The Barn Theatre, 2400 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart is in need of a sprucing up and, to that end, a fundraiser concert is planned. Recording artist Latraia Savage will perform her tributes to the late Whitney Houston and Donna Summer on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. A gala cocktail reception including wine, cheese, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and prizes starts at 6:15 p.m. Tickets: $50 per person. Nearly $15,000 is needed to buy a new air-conditioner and to paint the exterior of the theater. For tickets, go to www.barn-theatre.com.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Feb. 17-21
Tibetan Monks at the Palm Room – It’s a long way for them to travel from India to Florida, but they draw huge crowds. Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery in India will bring teachings of ancient ways and beliefs that create the possibility of global peace, nonviolent conflict resolution, compassion and wisdom in their Sacred Art Tour at Palm Room-Harbour Bay Plaza, 3760 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Sewall’s Point. Feb. 17-21. Monks are expected to be at the Palm Room each day from noon to 7 p.m. Highlighting their trip is the creation in The Martin Artisans Guild Palm Room exhibition gallery of a Sacred Sand Mandala. They will share Tibetan culture and traditions, as well as offering lessons on compassion and impermanence. Handcrafted work by Tibetan artisans will be offered for sale. Admission: FREE. Go www.mcost.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 18
Library Talk: Brown-headed Nuthatch – They’ve apparently disappeared from sight several years ago, but an effort is being launched to bring them back. A talk on the brown-headed nuthatch bird will be given Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Blake Library, 2351 S.E. Monterey Road, Stuart. Tall Timbers Research Station launched a reintroduction effort at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in 2018. Jim Cox, who heads up this effort, will discuss how the work is progressing and what Tall Timbers has learned about this species use of tools, how they engage in communal massages much like great apes, have helpers that assist the breeding efforts of other adults, and also excavate cavities used by dozens of other animals. FREE. To register: www.audubonofmartincounty.org/events/library-talk-brown-headed-nuthatch/form.

Wednesday, Feb. 19
Scrub Jay Walk – Bring the binoculars and keep an eye peeled for scrub jays at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 16450 S.E. U.S. 1, Hobe Sound on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 9-10 a.m. The walk led by Jim Howe is between one-quarter and one-half mile on a road for foot/bicycle traffic only. Bring water, sun block, camera, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses. Howe will discuss the scrub ecosystem itself, why fire is essential, and point out gopher tortoise burrows and plants found at the park. FREE with park admission of $6 per car. Register by going to www.audubonofmartincounty.org/events/scrub-jay-educational-walk-4.

Thursday, Feb. 20
Bingo Italian Night – Enjoy an Italian dinner and then play the game at the monthly Bingo Italian Night, on Thursday, Feb. 20, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5150 S.E. Railway Avenue, Cove Road at Old Dixie Highway, Port Salerno. Doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner is at 5:30 p.m.; bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost of $10 includes a Bingo card and a pasta dinner with salad and dessert. Beer and wine will be available for a donation along with the purchase of additional cards and specials. For more information, call 772-286-5455 or go to www.stlukesfl.org.

Thursday, Feb. 20
Lloyd Jones at Apollo – Hear tales of what it was like to grow up in Hobe Sound from a native who did. Lloyd Jones, who attended Dunbar Elementary School and graduated from Martin County High School, will speak as part of the sixth Speaker Series at the Historic Apollo School, 9141 S.E. Apollo Street, Hobe Sound, Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. He is chair of the M.O.S.E.S. Project and is currently involved in the clean-up and preservation of the Gomez Pioneer Cemetery. Tickets: $10 per person. To reserve a seat and pay at the door, email your reservation to [email protected]. To buy tickets online, go to www.apolloschool.org.

Friday, Feb. 21
Adrienne Abiodun talk – As a part of Black History Month, genealogist Adrienne Abiodun will discuss “The State of African American Genealogy and A New Reconstruction Era” on Friday, Feb. 21, 1 to 3 p.m., at Robert Morgade Library, 5851 S.E. Community Drive, off Salerno Road, Stuart. She will share research findings from her own family tree in addition to potential avenues for overcoming research challenges. She is an author and National Vice Chair of the National Society DAR. FREE. Refreshments will be served. Go to www.mcgsfl.org.

Friday, Feb. 21
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church Famous Fish Fry – You can choose from either grouper or tilapia, all cooked to order (mild, lemon, spicy or naked) at the monthly St. Monica’s Episcopal Church Famous Fish Fry on Friday, Feb. 21, 4 to 7 p.m., at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, 800 Central Ave., Stuart. Cost: $12 for dinners; $8 for sandwiches. Choice of two sides — peas & rice, macaroni & cheese, green beans, collard greens and a choice of cole slaw, potato salad and hush puppies with a choice of dessert. Yum! Call 772-221-0552.

Friday, Feb. 21
“Deep” at Beach Movie Night – Go “Deep” without getting wet (weather permitting) when you bring the family for Beach Movie Night on Friday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m., at Jensen Beach Park, 4191 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Jensen Beach. Movie will be shown on a 20-foot-tall screen. FREE. Concessions provided by Sand Dune Cafe. In case of inclement weather, event will be canceled. Call 772-221-4130.

Sunday, Feb. 23
Cow Plop Bingo – Yep, you read right! Cow plopping! Buy a ticket to guess what “square” in which the cow will “plop” and you could win the grand prize – no, not the cow’s “deposit,” but up to $3,000. The First Annual Cow Plop Bingo will be Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 to 7 p.m., at Rockin’ H Ranch, 4181 S.W. Boatramp Ave., Palm City. Buy a “land parcel” for a chance to win up to $3,000 – if the cow “plops” on your “land parcel,” you win! Also planned are family fun activities, food trucks and Tom Jackson Band. Hosted by Palm City Chamber of Commerce. Admission: FREE. Sponsorships are available. Call 772-286-8121.

Thursday, Feb. 27
Literary Lecture Series – Popular western writers such as Zane Grey, Tony Hillerman, Annie Proulx, Larry McMurtry will be discussed in “The Mythic American West & Its Writers” by Robert Van Dellen, Ph.D., at the Elliott Museum, 825 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Thursday, Feb. 27, 6 to 8 p.m. This is the second of three lectures he will give this year. Tickets: $14. RSVP to 772-225-1961 or email [email protected].

Friday, Feb. 28
‘Chow Down’ Food Trucks – Bring your appetite along with plenty of money to sample the wares offered at the “Chow Down” Gourmet Food Trucks monthly event on Friday, Feb. 28, 5-9 p.m., at J.V. Reed Park, 9004 S.E. Athena St., Hobe Sound. Admission: FREE. ‘Chow Down’ events are planned the fourth Friday of each month by the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce. Go to www.hobesound.org.

Saturday, Feb. 29
Brunch With Us – Celebrate Leap Year Day (Feb. 29) with Brunch With Us, a fundraiser for the Council for Environmental Studies Center in Jensen Beach, on Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m., to 1 p.m., at Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 S.E. Doubleton Drive, Stuart. Brunch includes and auction and mimosas. Features guest speaker Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch. Tickets: $75. Go to www.escmc.org or call 772-219-1887, ext. 121.