Crescent Beach Paint Out starts Thursday

Beautiful things are about to be created on Anastasia Island.

Starting Thursday more than 30 artists will set up their easels at scenic or "interesting" spots throughout the island for four days of plein air painting. Plein air is the French term for "in the open."

The artists, from throughout Florida, will paint outdoors with the subject directly in view to capture the spirit and essence of a landscape or subject.

This is the second year for the Crescent Beach Paint Out. And, it won't be restricted to Crescent Beach.

On Saturday, artists will paint in designated locations including Fort Matanzas Park and Lighthouse Park where the public may observe them. More than 90 works in oil, watercolor and pastel are expected to be created.

If you're looking for original island art, stop by Island Fine Art, 6279 A1A South, one-half mile north of the 206 bridge. The public is invited to visit the gallery to view and purchase works as they are completed each day.

A reception and awards ceremony will be held Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m. Works will be on display and for sale through Sept. 30.

To view last year's paintings and a list of this year's participating artists visit www.islandfineart.com or for more information, call 471-5808.



The St. Augustine Beach Civic Association will host a Meet the Candidates forum at 7 p.m. today at St. Augustine Beach City Hall. Candidates for St. Johns County Commission District 2 and city of St. Augustine Beach District 4 in the Sept. 5 primary election have been invited to present their views. The format will include opening statements, questions from the audience and closing statements. Light refreshments will be served. City hall is at 2200 A1A South. Call 347-8007 for information.



Treasure Beach Property Owners will hold their first beach party starting at 5 p.m. Saturday on the beach at the end of their walkway. Food, games, contests, prizes, souvenirs, stories and entertainment by the Treasure Beach kazoo band are planned. Party goers should bring a picnic supper and beach chairs. For information, call the association president, Charlie Novak, at 471-1579.



Linda and Lester Wiggins, providers of the produce at the Wednesday Farmers Market, are taking a vacation.

"For three weeks, starting Aug. 23, we'll be putting in our fall crops," Linda said.

Although the produce stand will be a "no show" during that time, other food and crafts stands will be open at the St. Augustine Beach pier park market. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to noon. The Wiggins, of New Smyrna Beach, plan to return on Sept. 13, "as long as there are no hurricanes," Linda said, recalling the growing delays and produce availability after last year's hurricanes. The St. Augustine Beach Civic Association sponsors the Farmers Market.



Entries are being taken for the Endless Summer 10K Cross Country Run scheduled for Sept. 16, starting at 7:30 a.m. The 6.2-mile scenic run takes place at Anastasia State Park. It starts with a beach loop, traces pavement, dirt roads and soil through the east nature trail and hammock loop. Participants must be fit to run or walk on soft sand, uneven terrain, mixed pavement, and hills with sun exposure, heat and humidity. For the less hardy, there will also be a one-mile fun run.

You can download the registration form at www.endlesssummerrun.org, or call Carrie Browder at the race hot line 461-0074.



Last Tuesday's National Night Out celebration, sponsored by the St. Augustine Beach Police Department in conjunction with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, attracted more than 500 people to the pier park pavilion.

St. Augustine Beach Police Chief Richard Hedges said the response of local businesses and the community was overwhelming.

Hedges thanked the Oasis and the Sunset Grille restaurants for providing hamburgers, hotdogs and ribs, merchants who contributed prizes and local organizations that set up booths with information and give-aways.

"Next year, we'll have a bigger and better celebration," Hedges said.