Walton County Snowbirds have big turnout for Gathering

A great crowd attended the Walton County Snowbirds Gathering at Destin United Methodist Church on Jan 25.  

Co-Presidents Jim Smith and Coleen Haas Smith led the gathering. Several local vendors were present and provided snowbird deals, samples, and giveaways. TJ & Brad entertained the group with popular songs by Fleetwood Mac, Al Green, Patsy Cline, and topped it off with Janis Joplin’s Bobby McGee. The meeting wrapped up with the 50/50 drawing (proceeds will be used to provide scholarships to local high school students) and numerous door prizes. The next Snowbird Gathering is scheduled for Feb 8. 

Upcoming social events include a bus trip to the IP Casino in Biloxi, on Feb. 21. The trip leaves at 8 a.m. from The Track in Destin and will be back the same night. Cost is $35.00/person. Contact Joy Mayer, Flowerjoy42@gmail.com, if interested in participating. 

The Southern Star Dolphin Cruise is sailing exclusively for Walton County Snowbird members on Feb. 9 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. leaving from Destin harbor. Boarding begins at 3 p.m. The $30.00/person fee consists of the 2-hour harbor cruise where you are guaranteed to see dolphins and the sunset. It also includes live entertainment, door prizes, wine, beer, soft drinks, and appetizers. Contact Marty and Nancy Schmidtke at mschmidt547@yahoo.com to sign up for the cruise. 

The Social Dinners are always a huge success among the snowbirds, offering great food and service at area restaurants and lots of conversations. This year’s first dinner was held on Jan. 19 at The Crab Trap with over 100 snowbirds attending. The next dinner is Feb. 16 at Auston’s on 98 with a social at 4:30 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. Registered members should sign up by contacting Peg & Bob Breetz, pegandbobbreetz@gmail.com 

This column was provided by Cindy Armstrong, Walton County Snowbird publicity director.