This weekend in Gulf and Franklin

Here’s a look at what’s happening this weekend in Gulf and Franklin Counties.

First Friday Sip and Shop in Port St. Joe

The Gulf County Chamber of Commerce and a handful of local businesses will be hosting a First Friday Sip and Shop event on Friday, August 4 on Reid Ave. from 5 to 7 p.m. EDT. Enjoy adult beverages, light hors d’oeuvres, great deals and good times.

Carrabelle to host expanded First Friday

The downtown Carrabelle business community and Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce have joined forces with Rio Carrabelle Art Gallery to host a First Friday event from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 throughout the downtown. There will be live music, after-hours shopping, refreshments, art and food at the participating businesses that include Bubble Waffle Factory, C-Quarters Marina, Coastal Cottage Living, Fathom’s Steam Room & Raw Bar, Gina’s Flowers & Such, Harry’s Bar. I. C. Blue Upholstery and Gifts, Marine Street Grill, Marine Street Mercantile, Pirate Girl’s Treasures, Shop by the Sea and Taste of Korea. For more info, all 850-697-2585 or email chamber@nettally.com

Members’ Art Market

The Joe Center for the Arts invites the public to its third annual Members’ Art Market with an opening reception Friday, Aug. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT. 

Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists while viewing works of all kinds in a wide variety of style, subject and media. 

T.J. Ward benefit Saturday

A low country shrimp boil will be held Saturday Morning, Aug. 5 at Apalachicola’s Riverfront Park to benefit T.J. Ward, who has been hospitalized with a serious infection.

The benefit will open at 10:30 a.m. and will run until sold out, at the park, next to 13 Mile Seafood Market. All proceeds will help with medical and traveling expenses.

Salt Air Farmers Market

Shop local farmers and artisans. Let your family enjoy art pieces and the amazing flavors of fresh veggies, sweet tupelo honey and vine-ripened fruit. Open the first and third Saturdays of the month, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT in downtown Port St. Joe.

Carrabelle’s Country Market Saturday

The Crooked River Lighthouse continues its Country Farmer’s Market this Saturday, Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lighthouse Park, 1975 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle. The market is actively recruiting new and returning vendors, at a cost of $10 a market. For more information, contact 850-697-2732, carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or www.crookedriverlighthouse.com.

Museum opens atomic bomb exhibit 

Camp Gordon Johnston World War II Museum in Carrabelle is presenting a special exhibit about the Atomic Bomb and the End of World War II, through Saturday, August 26. 

On May 7, 1945 Nazi Germany agreed to unconditional surrender and the following day, people celebrated what is now known as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day). In August, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and a week later formal surrender documents were signed in what is now celebrated as Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day).

This exhibit includes artifacts relevant to the surrenders, Nuremberg trials related documents, occupation souvenirs from Japan and photos of post-war Germany. 

The museum at 1873 Highway 98 West is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 pm. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. The museum can be reached at (850) 697-8575 or at museum@campgordonjohnston.com