By Christopher Manson
Coming together is a beginning.
Staying together is progress.
Working together is success.
~ The Destin Snowbirds Club Motto
Once again, the city of Destin welcomes winter guests and residents for a season of camaraderie, charitable efforts, and goodwill within the community. New connections are fostered, and old friends from all over reunite for social activities.
The Destin Snowbirds have events and meetings lined up for the next few months. The organization’s “big” registration event happened earlier this month at the Destin Community Center. Anyone that missed out can register online at thedestinsnowbirds.com. Registration is $13 and can be paid via PayPal.
“This season promises to be an exciting one,” 2024-25 Destin Snowbirds President Jerry Reckman writes. Weekly meetings and “Thank Goodness It’s Friday” events feature live entertainment by returning favorites like Flash Flood. Additional activities include golf, bus trips, craft shows and a Valentine Dinner Dance.
Last month, the Destin Snowbirds participated in the city’s Christmas Parade, sharing candy and spreading holiday joy. Before that, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the Destin Community Center, host to the group’s weekly gatherings.
The Destin Snowbirds are also looking for volunteers and a webmaster. Contact Dean Harper at 865-336-0421.
You can learn more by visiting thedestinsnowbirds.com, and their Facebook page, The Destin Snowbirds, where more than 8,000 members share photos, recommendations and upcoming events. Reckman calls it “a great source of information about the surrounding area.”
Upcoming Events:
Jan. 14 Snowbird Meeting
Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Avenue, Destin, 10 a.m.
Musician Rich McDuff, a favorite from his frequent appearances at the Destin and Pensacola locations of McGuire’s Irish Pub, provides the entertainment.
Jan. 21 Snowbird Meeting
Destin Community Center, 10 a.m.
Todd Herendeen performs.
Jan. 21 Thank Goodness It’s Tuesday
LuLu’s, 4807 Legendary Marina Drive, Destin, 3-6 p.m.
Admission is $5 per person at the door. Dance to the music of Todd Herendeen and enjoy special drink pricing.
Jan. 27 Harbor Cruise
Contact: Steve Ericson, 612-360-7584, slericson@yahoo.com
Jan. 28 Snowbird Meeting
Destin Community Center, 10 a.m.
The 16-piece Hashtag Swing Band – a group that includes professional musicians, music educators and jazz lovers – plays favorites from the Big Band/Swing era.
Jan. 30 Free Jazz Concert
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, 20001 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, 7 p.m.
The Hashtag Swing Band wraps up a busy week. Doors open at 6 p.m., and cash bar, entrée, appetizer and dessert options will be available during the performance.
Feb. 4 Snowbird Meeting
Destin Community Center, 10 a.m.
Enjoy the soulful vocals of local favorite Michael Bethea.
Feb. 4 Thank Goodness It’s Tuesday
LuLu’s, 4807 Legendary Marina Drive, Destin, 3-6 p.m.
Admission is $5 per person at the door. Enjoy the formidable vocal talents of Michael Bethea, dance the afternoon away, and enjoy special drink pricing.
Feb. 8 2025 Pink Run Benefiting Fore Her
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 8:30 a.m.
Snowbirds are encouraged to wear pink and join the community in a walk or run benefiting breast cancer patients in financial need. Enjoy a photo booth, prizes, food samples, and a DJ-fueled after party. Register at PinkRunBenefitingForeHer.itsyourrace.com.
Learn more about the 501(c)(3) organization hosting the big event at foreher.org.
Feb. 11 Snowbird Meeting
Destin Community Center, 10 a.m.
The Voices of Northwest Florida State College perform.
Feb. 14 Valentine Dinner Dance
Austons on 98, Miramar Beach, 5-9 p.m.
Cost is $40 per ticket ($40 plus $2 processing fee online). 30 tickets available online (must have a badge #).
Purchase tickets online at thedestinsnowbirds.com/valentine-dinner.
Feb. 24 Harbor Cruise
Contact: Steve Ericson, 612-360-7584, slericson@yahoo.com
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