One of South Walton’s most popular fall events, the annual Flutterby Festival is returning to Rosemary Beach on November 10-11, 2012.

Presented by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), the annual Flutterby Festival celebrates art, nature, and the migration of the Monarch Butterfly. The family-friendly event returns with fan favorites along with some special new elements, including interactive presentations by the team at Zoo World in Panama City Beach.

“The Flutterby Festival is a fun event for kids of all ages,” said Jennifer Steele. “We’ve enjoyed adding new elements each year, including hands-on and interactive stations that allow participants to learn, explore, experience and create.”

As part of the annual tradition, children create their own butterfly wing masterpieces to wear in the butterfly costume parade each afternoon at 3:45 p.m. Kids will also enjoy using their creativity to build butterfly puppets and other crafts. Master Gardener Snookie Parrish will be on hand teaching children the art and science of building their own butterfly garden, and children will have the opportunity to decorate a pot and take home a plant to grow their own butterfly bush. Celebrating art and nature, hundreds of butterfly paintings created by Walton County students will be on display throughout the festival.

Enhancing the focus on nature, Zoo World will bring their animal ambassadors for interactive presentations. Highlighting species from around the globe, the Zoo World team will delight audiences with their educational and entertaining program. In addition, students from Tesla Academy will showcase their animal friends, including reptiles, amphibians, birds and ferrets.

30A Dancewave will feature special choreographed performances celebrating butterflies and nature through dance. There will also be musical performances by Tesla and Ohana Bands, along with fun kids music by 30A Radio. Performances by The Seaside Repertory Theatre will include audience participation and lots of laughs. Street games, face painting, hula hooping, street and mural painting, and a stilt walker will keep families entertained between productions.

On the East Green, Cottages for Kids‘ whimsical cottages, ranging from fairytale creations to modern designs, will be on display. Families are invited to walk through the cottages to personally experience the creativity and craftsmanship of these playhouses, which will be auctioned off to benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network later in the month.

Flutterby Festival attendees looking for a snack, sweet treat or a meal will delight in the delicious offerings by Rosemary Beach restaurants. As an added bonus, families can explore the locally-owned shops and galleries while spending the afternoon in Rosemary Beach.

The Flutterby Festival is sponsored by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach. Admission to the Flutterby Festival is free. Some activities require a small fee with proceeds benefiting the CAA.

For more info, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or call 850-622-5970.