The annual Flutterby Festival will return to Rosemary Beach on November 9th and 10th, 2013. Presented by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), the Flutterby Festival celebrates art, nature, and the migration of the Monarch Butterfly through our community. This family-friendly event returns with local favorites, along with some new entertainment this year.

“We’re excited to return to Rosemary Beach, which is the perfect setting for this beloved event created for the whole family,” said Jennifer Steele, Executive Director of the CAA. “The Flutterby Festival is one of my favorite events that the CAA produces because families can spend quality time together, hearing music, playing games, learning about the butterfly plants and creating artwork.”

As part of the annual tradition, children create their own butterfly wing masterpieces to wear in the butterfly costume parade each afternoon at 3 p.m. Kids also enjoy using their creativity to build butterfly puppets and other crafts. Student artwork, including hundreds of butterfly paintings created by Walton County students, will be on display throughout the festival.

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. Activities such as street games, face painting, hula hooping, street and mural painting will ensure there is non-stop entertainment.

30A Dancewave will feature special choreographed performances celebrating butterflies and nature through dance, and 30A Ballet will be making its Flutterby Festival debut. There will also be musical performances by the Ohana Records Bands, along with fun kids music by South Walton’s 2014 Performer of the Year Mike Whitty. Performances by Seaside Repertory Theatre will include audience participation and lots of laughs.

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.

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.