Downtown Crowd, April 2022

APR. ‘22 Also in this Issue:

MILITARY MATTERS an Armed Forces News Section

Local ways to show some love for the environment 5 Qs With Creatives: Making Waves for Ocean Conservation

Go Green with Earth Day Pensacola’s 32nd Annual Celebration

There’s No Stop’n Hellzapoppin: Circus Sideshow Comes to Vinyl FREE | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Spring into this.

THE ALL-NEW 2023 KIA SPORTAGE

KIAAUTOSPORTPENSACOLA.COM 6637 PENSACOLA BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL 32505

850.457.7772 TIRES FOR LIFE AND LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY REQUIRE ALL FACTORY MAINTENANCE FOR AS LONG AS YOU OWN THE VEHICLE. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS.

Comfort, Curated

Book Today

StayOysterBay.com

400 Bayf ro n t P kwy, Pe n sa co la , FL

DOWNTOWN CROWD April 2022

Editor’s Letter

CONTENTS 6

Editor Morgan Cole Art Director Guy Stevens Graphic Designer Garrett Hallbauer Editorial Interns Lisa Chacon Nicole Willis

8

As always, enjoy reading and until next time, Cheers!

Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode paula@ballingerpublishing.com

10

Becky Hildebrand becky@ballingerpublishing.com

Famous anthropologist Margaret Mead couldn’t have said it any better. As Earth Day approaches, there’s no better time than now to commit to making some small changes in your daily life to help protect our planet. Although Earth Day is only celebrated once a year, it serves as a valuable reminder that collectively, even the smallest changes have the ability to make an impact. While it’s impossible to conquer threats like global warming and climate change overnight, there are numerous ways you can get involved to help make a positive impact right here in our community. Even small actions, like using a refillable water bottle or carpooling to work, can create big change and also inspire others to make small changes too. So, the next time you find yourself thinking about climate change or that it’s too little, too late to make changes to protect the environment, remember that nothing is too little. There are countless ways, no matter how big or small, that you can get involved to help make a positive impact!

For this month’s issue of Downtown Crowd, we’ve gone “green” and brought you a full roundup of eco-friendly ways you can help make a positive impact right here in our community, not just on Earth Day, but all year-round.

You’ll also read about the return of the annual Earth Day Pensacola Festival to Bayview Park and what all is in store for this year’s big event.

Owner Malcolm Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden

Morgan Cole, Editor

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger

For advertising rates or news tips contact Phone: 433.1166 • Fax: 435.9174

DOWNTOWN CROWD is published by Ballinger Publishing.

Offices located at 21 E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502

18

12 6 5 Questions with Creatives 8 Go Green with Earth Day Pensacola: Earth Day Pensacola Festival Returns for 32nd Annual Celebration 10 There’s No Stop’n Hellzapoppin: Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Comes to Vinyl Music Hall

12 Make Every Day Earth Day: Local Ways to Make an Impact Year-Round 16 April Events Calendar 18 Military Matters

ON THE COVER - Design

by Guy Stevens

Downtown Crowd is locally owned and operated. It is published monthly for distribution in Pensacola, Florida. All Right Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services

by Ballinger Publishing. © 2022

Follow us on Social Media @DowntownCrowd

5 QUESTIONS WITH

CREATIVES S A N D R A C A LV O

BY NICOLE WILLIS

Local artist, activist and science teacher Sandra Calvo has turned her passion for jewelry making and environmentalism into an activism-based business. Sandra is the founder and owner of Rejewel, a handmade recycled jewelry company. Not only does Sandra utilize recycled plastics to create her jewelry pieces, but she also donates 10 percent of each of her sales to support ocean conservation efforts. Since moving to Pensacola last year, Sandra has received an abundance of community support for her ecofriendly jewelry creations, which she sells at local art markets and downtown events throughout the year. If you don’t catch her at one of the upcoming Pensacola Arts Markets, be sure to check out her shop on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/RejewelShop or follow @rejewelbysandra on Instagram.

How did you first get into making jewelry from recycled plastics?

One day, I bought some recycled ocean microplastic earrings that I loved. I found myself wearing the earrings constantly because, when I got compliments, I was presented with the opportunity to also share the story behind them and how they were made. It means a lot to me to try to bring the issue of plastic pollution into conversations and the earrings helped me do that. It’s important for me to help people realize that when you throw something “away” it’s not magically gone, it’s still out there somewhere. If it’s plastic, it’s going to be there long after your grandkids are born. I wanted to expand my own jewelry collection to have different colors and styles of eco-conscious pieces so that I could always wear something to spark that conversation.

So, about a year ago, I started getting creative and tried making jewelry with plastic waste from my own house. My friends and family loved what I was making so I made some for everyone and 6 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

turns out, my mom was quite the saleswoman and was great at starting up the eco-conversations too. Eventually, my mom took a few of my pieces to work to see if any of her co-workers wanted to purchase them and surprisingly, they did! I was making earrings for fun and selling a few to friends here and there for about seven months before I moved to Pensacola. At that point, I had

decided to make it a business more than just a hobby.

What inspired you to start selling your work and how did you decide that it was something you wanted to pursue as a business endeavor?

Once I got to Pensacola, I decided to take my hobby to some of the local arts markets to see how receptive people would be to my jewelry (people that weren’t my friends and family). When I realized that people really liked what I was making, I decided to lean into it. The local community here is amazing; so many people care for the environment, the beaches and

love to support small businesses.

If it weren’t for such a supportive community, I would probably just be making for myself or lose the creative flow, honestly.

Can you tell me a little bit more about the different types of pieces you create?

I use all repurposed plastics to create each of my jewelry pieces.

I primarily make earrings and rings, but have also made a few necklaces. I have been experimenting with new techniques and plan to expand a bit into the realm of home decor. Some of my best-selling designs are the rainbow earrings, earth earrings and the woven plastic earrings. I also take custom requests!

Can you explain what exactly “repurposed plastic” is and how it differs from other recycled materials?

I call it repurposed plastic because I’m taking these pieces of waste and giving them a new purpose. I create cute fundraiser jewelry that can be used to start conversations about plastic pollution and reducing waste.

Repurposed plastic is not much different from recycling, except for the fact that the material is not being used to make the same types of products that it originated from (bottles, contain-

ers, lids, etc.) and it’s on a much smaller scale than traditional recycling.

Can you describe your process and what all goes into creating one of your pieces of jewelry?

My creative process actually involves two methods. My first method involves melting and cutting, the second involves shredding and molding. The former is what I call “meltdowns” and these are plastics that have been melted down and cut into the desired shape. The latter are plastics that have been shredded and turned into microplastics which are then added to a mold with epoxy. Both of these methods require proper personal protective equipment so I always get all of my gear on before starting and make sure I’m working in an area with good ventilation. I start by cleaning, sanitizing and removing stickers from the various plastics. Once the plastic is dry, I cut it into manageable pieces and start on one of the two methods. After I complete the earring shape, I then assemble it with hardware and voila!

Active learning and hands-on exploration of creative mediums for grades K-5. The weekly themes incorporate STEAM, history, conservation, world cultures, yoga, and games!

WEEKLY CAMPS May 30th–August 5th A ncient A r t Myth s & M agic al C re at ure s A r t Rock s!

T E E NS C A M PN C E D U A N N OA P R I L IN IC S C E R AIM NTING 3D PR ORE! &M

Modern M a ster s P aint s & Pot ion s A dvent ure s in t he S erenget i O ver the R ainbow C omic s & C ar toon s L egen ds of t he S e a G o G re en!

Pottery, Drawing, Sculpture, Collage, 3-D Design, Storytelling, Mixed Media, Painting, Printmaking, Glass, Textiles, Costume Design, Building and more!

Scholarships Available!

For more information: FirstCityArt.org

850.429.1222

Go Green with

Earth Day Pensacola Earth Day Pensacola Festival Returns for 32nd Annual Celebration

by Nicole Willis

T

he Earth Day Pensacola Festival will return to Bayview Park for its annual Earth Day celebration, showcasing sustainable living through a day of environmental education, art, live music, food vendors, green products and hands-on activities. Drawing thousands of attendees each year, the festival celebrates the Earth, sustainability and creating a cleaner community for us to live, work and play.

“For the 32nd straight year in Pensacola, our local Earth Day celebration is just one day of the year where we can come together to recognize our collective care for our shared home planet,” Earth Day Pensacola event organizer and committee member, Christain Wagley said. “It’s a day of fun, education and inspiration.”

All members of the community are invited to take part in the Earth Day festivities for the no-cost event on April 23 at Bayview Park (2001 E Lloyd St.) from 10 am to 4 pm.

The festival is a family-friendly space where people come together to celebrate everything “green.”

Armed with a mission to educate the community about environmental issues, empower people to make ecominded decisions and promote community actions to create a cleaner Pensacola, the Earth Day Pensacola Festival seeks to unite people who are passionate about environmental conservation and are working toward protecting the earth by providing an engaging environment for them to come together, connect and celebrate Earth Day. At the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to shop a variety of eco-friendly goods, products and services from local vendor booths. Earth Day Pensacola selected 8 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

“

Our local Earth Day celebration is just one day of the year where we can come together to recognize our collective care for our shared home planet. It’s a day of fun, education and inspiration.”

each of the featured vendors and exhibitors based on their eco-friendly missions, products and ideas. Several non-profit organizations will also be onsite showcasing some of the recent projects and positive work that they are doing to make an impact in the community. The event will also feature a variety of educational resources for individuals to learn about how to make eco-conscious choices on both a local and global level.

Keep Pensacola Beautiful (KPB), a local nonprofit organization that provides education and resources for sustained community improvement, will also have a booth set up for their month-long Bag Swap program.

The KPB Bag Swap program is part of a larger initiative hosted as part of the annual Great American Cleanup, which KPB hosts each spring from March through May. The bag swaps provide individuals the opportunity to trade in their plastic bags for one of KPB’s reusable tote bags. With Americans using 160,000 plastic bags per second, any reduction to this number is a step in the right direction. KPB hopes to discourage the use of single-use plastics by providing a canvas tote as a sustainable alternative. To learn more about KPB and their April Bag Swap events, visit keeppensacolabeautiful.org.

“For the first time, this year’s event also includes the Pensacola Arts Market,” Wagley explained. “This will

bring out dozens of local vendors specializing in smallbatch and handmade eco-friendly products like art, soaps, baked goods, unique jewelry, treats and more.”

Apart from the Pensacola Arts Market, there will also be numerous eco-friendly product vendors, plantbased foods and eco-exhibits for attendees to learn more about sustainability and current impact on the environment. The festival will also feature a variety of food vendors, a garden display to showcase sustainable gardening practices, children’s activities and live music for everyone to enjoy.

“As always, the Earth Day stage features a full day of local performers,” Wagley said. “A new one this year is a performance by the modern dance ensemble, Swerve, and we’re very excited about that.”

Learn more about the Earth Day Pensacola Celebration and check out the complete list of participating vendors and activities online at earthdaypensacola.org.

SHOWTIME

FRIDAY

May 6, 2022 | 7:30 pm

SATURDAY

May 7, 2022 | 7:30 pm

SUNDAY

May 8, 2022 | 2:30 pm Tickets Available: Saenger Theatre Box Office and TIcketmaster.com

Our Sponsors:

www.PensacolaSings.org

We proudly serve all local residents and businesses and honor all active military.

Monday–Friday — 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Saturday — 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Closed Sunday 551 S Fairfield Dr. | Pensacola, FL 32506

850.444.9191

StorageKingUSA.com

There’s No Stop’n

Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Comes to Vinyl Music Hall

by Lisa Chacon

L

ess than two days after setting up in Deep Ellum in down town Dallas, TX in 2009, the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue’s tent was shuttered by a disapproving city council. Hellzapoppin’s cheerful embrace of sideshow tradition, extreme stunts— which include fire breathing, sword swallowing, razorblade regurgitating, and self-impaling—and the “freak” moniker clashed with contemporary perception of circus sideshows—particularly freak shows— as outdated, low-class and often exploitative affairs.

Think “bearded lady,” “exotic snake woman,” “Siamese twins” or “the armless man.”

10 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

“

Th ey li te ra ll y ra n us ou t of to w n. Th e m ay or di d no t w an t a fr ea k sh ow in he r ci ty.”

“They literally ran us out of town. The mayor did not want a freak show in her city,” the show’s founder Bryce “The Govna” Graves explained.

Spurred on by the show’s dictum, “There’s No Stop’n Hellzapoppin,” the rock ‘n’ roll circus didn’t stumble. They quickly secured shows outside of Texas, opening for Marilyn Manson in Sweden and, stateside, performing between musical acts on the Pedal to the Metal tour featuring Mudvayne, Static-X and Black Label Society.

Nearly fourteen years later, Hellzapoppin has performed more than 3,000 shows spread across 16 countries. Its performers hold Guinness World Records and have become staples on Ripley’s Believe It or Not, AMC’s Freakshow and rock and heavy metal tours and festivals, including Virginia’s Blue-Ridge Rock Fest, Chicago’s Riot Fest and Germany’s Wacken Open Air festival.

The COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t deter Hellzapoppin any more than an offended mayor. “During the shutdown of COVID, I used my time off

the road wisely. I rebuilt, rewrote and restructured the entire show,”Graves said. “When the government allowed all the venues to reopen, Hellzapoppin was the very first national touring act to hit the road.”

Hellzapoppin was eager to perform, and audiences were equally, if not more, eager. Tickets and merchandise sold rapidly, and post-lockdown audience members sat rapt.

The public’s response wasn’t a surprise. Tradition is baked into the revue: Hellzapoppin, which takes its name from a raucous, vaudevilleinspired Broadway show-turnedmusical, are direct descendant of the one-of-a-kind, unifying entertainment traditionally provided by traveling performers and circus sideshows during the Great Depression and earlier pandemics.

The history of the circus sideshow Hellzapoppin’s lineup alternates “To [children] we are like and longevity enjoyed by its descen- around three principal members: superheroes,” Graves said, dants and torchbearers like Hellza- Bryce “The Govna’’ Graves, the “with the only precaution being poppin—who present the traditional founder; Short E. Dangerously, the earplugs because a rock n’ roll circus sideshow with a contempo- “half man” and Willow Lauren, the circus, as an understatement, rary, heavy metal aesthetic—prove “Ballerina of the Blades.” Face Your ‘can get kind of loud.’ ” that the public will always crave a Fears sees Eric Ross, a magician and release, a spot of wonder and excite- Fakir practitioner; Camille Zamboni, Hellzapoppin will land in Pensacment to help alleviate mundane a contortionist archer; and Lucian ola on April 22 at 7 pm at Vinyl concerns. In times of crisis, this crav- Fuller, a family-friendly juggler who Music Hall located at 2 South ing is merely magnified. Hellzapop- has performed with Cirque du Soleil, Palafox St. in downtown Pensacpin is happy to provide, boasting that join the roster. ola. General admission tickets it “wants to inspire the world not to range from $20 to $25 and VIP live in fear,” hence the tour’s name, Hellzapoppin’s shows are extreme, tickets are available for $40 each.

Face Your Fears. “extreme” being a point of pride for For tickets and information, visit its performers. “[Sideshow] is not vinylmusichall.com. You can also The Face Your Fears tour begins a game and it’s not a magic show,” check out Hellzapoppin online with an onslaught of shows in Flor- Graves explained. “Everything you at hellzapoppin.com, or follow ida—the state that, having spawned see is very real and incredibly danger- @hellzapoppin on Instagram for the Ringling Bros and hosting ous. Sideshow is a deadly artform!” updates and sample clips from Tampa’s famous, freak-heavy Gib Still, audience members are not only previous shows.

Town, is unsurprisingly Hellzapop- welcome, but recommended, to only pin’s most receptive market, before bring children ages 10 and older. expanding nationally.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 11

MAKE EVERY DAY

Convert to Solar Energy

Consider converting to a clean energy source by going solar!

The up-front cost associated with converting to solar energy often deters individuals from taking advantage of its many benefits. Thankfully non-profit organization Solar United, has recently launched a solar co-op program to help offset the cost for those wanting to go solar. The co-op is free to join and allows groups of property owners to purchase the equipment and use solar power at discounted group rate. Visit coops.solarunitedneighbors.org to learn more about the benefits of going solar and for details on joining the new co-op program by attending one of the community information sessions.

Local Ways to Make an Impact Year-Round

S

by Morgan Cole

ince the first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States in 1970, it has grown to become the world’s largest environmental movement and is observed in more than 200 countries across the globe.

With Earth Day just around the corner, there’s no better time than now to show some appreciation for mother earth and commit to making changes, no matter how big or small, to help protect the planet and its valuable resources for ourselves and generations to come. Although we encourage you to participate in the many Earth Day festivities occurring throughout the city, we’ve also rounded up some other ways for you to make a hands-on difference right here in our local community not just on Earth Day, but year-round.

12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Visit Your Neighborhood Farmers Market On an individual level, you can help support both our local environment and economy by shopping at your neighborhood farmer’s market or grocery co-op.

Check out the Palafox Market in downtown Pensacola. Held weekly on Saturdays, this neighborhood farmers market features numerous local vendors selling a variety of products from fresh produce, live plants and natural beauty products to baked goods, fine ar t and more. Bailey’s Produce and Nursery and The Farm Pensacola Produce Nursery also offer up delicious farm-fresh and organic goods, along with a variety of daily specials, so be sure to follow them on social media. Both are open daily.

Participate in a Local Cleanup

There are numerous local organizations that host monthly cleanups at various locations throughout the community. Ocean Hour Florida hosts local beach and waterway cleanups on Saturdays each week and is always seeking volunteers. For information and to sign up for one of their upcoming beach cleanups, visit oceanhourfl.com. The City of Pensacola also partners with local environmental groups and organizations to host a variety of community cleanup events throughout the year. Through partnership with the Scenic Highway Foundation, Ocean Hour and Earth Ethics, the City hosts a series of community cleanups at the Bay Bluffs and Chimney Park (Scenic Hwy.) in Pensacola on the second Saturday of each month. The City also partners with Keep Pensacola Beautiful and Ocean Hour to host clean up days along the shores of Bruce Beach in downtown Pensacola on the last Saturday of each month. Visit cityofpensacola.com/calendar, or cityofpensacola.com/570/Volunteer to check out the full calendar of upcoming cleanups dates. Other cleanup opportunities are available through the Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program and Healthy Gulf. Check out each of their websites or follow them on social media for more information and to find out how to get involved.

Join a Local Green Committee Try Going Zero(ish) Waste

Check out Pensacola’s first zero waste store, Ziro Supply Co., located on Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola. Ziro Supply is a zero waste and refill shop offering sustainable alternatives to everyday goods that are healthy for you and for our planet. The concept is simple—weigh, fill and pay. Bring your own sanitized container, purchase one of their recyclable containers or use one of the available upcycled jars for free.

Choose the product you’d like to fill up on and then, have your filled container weighed at the counter and voila, you’re ready to check out. Ziro Supply also offers an assortment of eco-friendly household products in eco-friendly packaging such as toilet paper, paper towels and laundry powder. For more information, visit zirosupply.com or check them out on Facebook @ZiroSupply.

Initiate or become a member of a group dedicated to taking action on environmental issues important to our community. There are a number of environmental-based activist groups to get involved with right here in Pensacola. One local group is 850eco, an environmentally-conscious community group that’s dedicated to co-creating a greener Pensacola through education, political action, volunteering and outdoor recreation. The group hosts various eco-centered activities and events throughout the year for like-minded individuals to connect, discuss, share ideas, learn and take action on environmental issues affecting our community. Follow @850eco on Instagram for more information and to view their full calendar of upcoming meeting dates. Another group to check out is 350 Pensacola, which is the local affiliate of 350.org, one of the largest nonprofit organizations fighting climate change both globally and locally. 350 Pensacola is dedicated to educating the public on the need to take action to reduce carbon emissions and to influence local governments to adopt and implement policies to reduce their own carbon emissions, while also encouraging and supporting local citizens in their efforts to do the same. To learn more about 350 Pensacola and how to get involved, visit world.350.org/pensacola.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 13

MAKE EVERY DAY Order Takeout From a Local Restaurant That Supports the Eco-To-Go Program

Launched by Keep Pensacola Beautiful, Eco-To-Go is a local restaurant sustainability program. The program is designed to unite Pensacola restaurants against the threat of litter, waste and single-use plastics through the implementation of eco-friendly take out containers. Pensacola’s tourism economy is dependent on the environment we cultivate. As a result of COVID-19, there has been an influx of to-go materials being used by restaurants, which has led to a spike in waste. Through the Eco-To-Go program, KPB hopes to encourage the community to think greener and strives to help make using sustainable materials a common practice. Local restaurants currently participating in the Eco-To-Go program include Perfect Plain, East Hill Market and Restaurant, Cafe Single Fin, The Daily Squeeze and more. Visit keeppensacolabeautiful.org/ eco-to-go/ for complete program details and the list of participating restaurants.

Volunteer Your Time with Keep Pensacola Beautiful

This local non-profit organization is dedicated to providing education and resources for sustained community improvement through educational outreach programs, volunteer opportunities throughout Escambia County. In addition to hosting annual fundraisers, special events, beach and neighborhood cleanups, recycling programs and more, Keep Pensacola Beautiful (KPB) is also a participant of the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup (GAC).

Held annually, the GAC is a national cleanup event that takes place in more than 600 communities each spring, from March through May. Engaging more than five million volunteers each year across the nation, the GAC is the largest community improvement program in America. You can get involved with the Great American Cleanup throughout the month of April by recycling your plastic bags at one of the many Bag Swap events taking place at different locations throughout the city. From cleanup events to assisting with their annual fundraisers, KPB offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

The organization will also provide you and your group with the resources and necessary supplies to organize and conduct your very own beach cleanup. Visit keeppensacolabeautiful.org for more information on programs, upcoming events and ways to get involved.

14 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Say NO to “Fast Fashion”

Shop for vintage or pre-owned clothing and accessories instead of buying new. Many of Pensacola’s vintage dealers operate out of their own stand-alone shops or pop-up booths in antique stores throughout the city. A variety of local dealers and collectors come together multiple times a year to host vintage markets and special pop-up events at venues throughout the city. In April, you can catch multiple vendors as part of the Pensacola Vintage Collective showcasing their collections of assorted vintage clothing, accessories and decor at the upcoming Earth Day Market on April 15 from 5 pm to 9 pm during Gallery Night in downtown Pensacola.

Follow @PensacolaVintageCollective on Instagram for complete details and information on the upcoming Earth Day Market.

The Wildly Popular Christopher’s Concerts are back for 2022!

“Take a Plant, Leaf a Plant” at a Plant Library or Attend a Plant Swap

Although plant swap groups have existed through social media platforms like Facebook for years, plant libraries have become a relatively new concept in our community. Pensacola and its surrounding communities are home to the Emerald Coast Plant Libraries, which consists of more than 30 plant libraries. When visiting a plant library, the rule of thumb is to take a plant and leave a plant. This concept was launched by Angela Blake, a local who was inspired by plant libraries she had seen in other cities. Plant libraries now exist in neighborhoods ranging from Fort Walton Beach all the way to Pensacola.

Follow @EmeraldCoastPlantLibraries on Facebook for more on starting your own plant library and for the complete list of plant library locations.

Whether you’re into collecting houseplants or digging into your backyard soil, there is a burgeoning community of like-minded plant enthusiasts in Pensacola to connect with.

Some local groups also host plant swaps and events at various locations throughout the city. One of which is the upcoming Pensacola Plant Festival hosted by the Pensacola Hoya Lovers on Saturday, April 2 from 1 pm to 4 pm at Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten in Pensacola.

Check out some of the local plant groups on Facebook to find one that’s right for you.

St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church offers 8 FREE outdoor concerts April 21-June 9. The public is invited to bring lawnshairs and beverage of choice.

Food trucks will be on hand. All are invited to sit, sing, dance and dream while enjoying the music from 6-8 pm: April 21 - Cross Town April 28 - Bay Bridge May 5 - Reunion Band May 12 - Mirage May 19 - The Blenders May 26 - NOBIUS June 2 - John Hart June 9 - Not Quite Fab

For more information: www.scpen.org

3200 N. 12th Avenue

Pensacola Florida 32503

April

Zack Williams Spring 2022 Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 10

COMMUNITY EVENTS Pensacola Ice Flyers April Schedule For tickets and more information, visit pensacolaiceflyers.com.

April 1 at 7:05 pm . . . . . . . . . Evansville Thunderbolts vs Ice Flyers April 2 at 7:05 pm . . . . . . . . Evansville Thunderbolts vs Ice Flyers Pensacola JazzFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 2 & 3 The 39th annual Pensacola JazzFest will be held at Seville Square in downtown Pensacola on April 2 and 3. JazzFest is a free, volunteer-led event that celebrates America’s unique musical art form, jazz. Various jazz bands will be playing live throughout the event. In addition to live music, there will be local food, drinks, arts and crafts and merchandise available at the event. All JazzFest merchandise sales help support the festival. For the event schedule, lineup information and other information, visit jazzpensacola.com.

Fit for a King at Vinyl Music Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 5 Fit For a King is a metalcore band from Texas that use the tools of heavy music and melodic hooks to honestly explore the dark side of the human experience. The group will be performing at the Vinyl Music Hall on April 5.

Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 7 pm. For ticket information and more, visit vinylmusichall.com.

Jeff Dunham at Pensacola Bay Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 7 Jeff Dunham is an American ventriloquist, stand-up comedian and actor who has appeared on numerous television shows, including the Late Show with David Letterman.

For more than thirteen years, Jeff Dunham and his delightfully irreverent cohorts have filled arenas across the U.S. and the world with their multiple blockbuster tours. The comedian/ventriloquist and the little guys in his suitcase are restarting their international tour, “Jeff Dunham: Seriously!?”. Dunham will be playing a show at the Pensacola Bay Center on April 7 at 7 pm. For ticket information and more, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 8–10 Pensacola Habitat for Humanity welcomes families, food lovers, adventure seekers, and supporters to its 6th annual food truck festival. This event features a diverse mix of food trucks, live entertainment and more. All proceeds directly benefit Pensacola Habitat 16 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

for Humanity and the families and individuals they serve. The three day event will take place at Seville Square and will run from 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday, 10 am to 9 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Visit pensacolahabitatfoodtruckfest.org for ticket information and details.

Pensacola VegFest 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 9 Pensacola VegFest is an annual celebration of compassionate living featuring unique plantbased foods, eco-friendly vendors, vegan artisans and family activities. The 4th annual Pensacola VegFest will take place on April 9 from 11 am to 6 pm at the Gulfside Pavilion at 20 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach, FL. Tickets for admission are $5. For more details, visit pensacolavegfest.com.

Pensacola Opera Presents Opera al fresco! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 9 This special pop-up concert series brings live music to parks and green spaces around town via Pensacola Opera’s StageMobile, a mobile stage that can bring an elevated performance experience virtually anywhere.

Opera al fresco! is a free community event held at H.K. Matthews Park in East Hill (12 Ave. & Hayes St.) on April 9 at 5:30 pm. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a lovely evening of opera, musical theatre and popular tunes. For more information, visit pensacolaopera.com.

Beats & Bunnies Egg Hunt and Block Party Pensacola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 9 The Beats & Bunnies Egg Hunt and Block Party is a morning of family fun! The party will feature an egg hunt with over 8,000 Easter eggs, inflatables, games, pictures with the Easter bunny and more. There will be three egg hunts categorized by age groups—ages 1–4 at 9:30 am, ages 5–7 at 10 am and ages 8–11 at 10:30 am. Come out to the Pensacola State College Soccer Field on April 9 from 9 am to 12 pm to take part in the festivities.

For more information on this free event, visit eventbrite.com.

Join Zach Williams at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre for a night of music and ministry.

Grammy award winner Zach Williams will be bringing his blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting to the Pensacola Saenger Theatre on April 10 at 7 pm. For ticket information and more details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Mimosa Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 10 Wild Greg’s Saloon will be hosting the Pensacola Mimosa Fest on April 10 from 11 am to 3 pm at Wild Greg’s Saloon in Pensacola.

Mimosa Fest is a day of drinking and fun.

There are two ticket categories for the event: General Admission and VIP Admission. General Admission tickets start at $9.99 for 12 pm admission and one mimosa. VIP Admission tickets start at $29.99 and include three mimosas and early admission. The event is exclusively for those ages 21+. For tickets and information, visit outhousetickets.com.

Artifishal Film Showing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 15 Join Healthy Gulf on April 15 at 7:30 pm at From the Ground Up Community Garden (501 N. Hayne St.) in downtown Pensacola for Northwest Florida’s first showing of the documentary film, Artifishal. The film provides viewers with an inside look at the tension between marine life and the demands of a growing human population. The event will also include an update on the commercial fish farm that’s planned to be established in an area just off the shores of Pensacola. For complete event details, visit healthygulf.org.

Bands on the Bayou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 16 Bands on the Bayou is a free outdoor concert held at Bayview Park in East Hill featuring local musicians and benefitting local nonprofit organizations in Pensacola. The April 16 event serves as the first concert of the Bands on the Bayou concert series for 2022 and will feature live music from Tyler Mac Band starting at 6:30 pm. The no-cost event is free and open to the public. For complete details, visit bandsonthebayou.com.

Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 15–17 Disney on Ice is coming to the Pensacola Bay Center on April 15–17. Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience. Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved Disney characters.

The show is sure to leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime. For ticket information and a complete list of showtimes by date, visit pensacolabaycenter.com or ticketmaster.com.

Bag Swap at Earth Day Pensacola Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 23 Hosted by Keep Pensacola Beautiful (KPB) as part of the Great American Cleanup, the Bag Swap program seeks to reduce plastic waste. KPB will have a booth at the Earth Day Pensacola festival where attendees will have a chance to swap their old plastic bags for a KPB reusable canvas tote. To learn more about KPB and for the full list of upcoming April Bag Swap events, visit keeppensacolabeautiful.org.

Fiddler on the Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 24 The Tony Award-winning production, Fiddler on the Roof, will be entering onto the Pensacola Saenger Theatre stage on April 24. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra will tell the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. There are two showtimes for the production, 1 pm and 6:30 pm. For ticket information, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Pensacola Beach Beer Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 23

Casual for Kids 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 29

Come out to Pensacola Beach for the first ever Pensacola Beach Beer Fest at the Hampton Inn (2 Via De Luna Drive) on April 23 from 3 pm to 7 pm. Ten local craft breweries will be on-site serving up their tastiest sudsy creations. There will be door prizes, raffles and live music by Tyler Mac. Water Pig BBQ will be serving slow-smoked barbecue during the event. Tickets start at $40. For tickets and to view the complete list of participating breweries, visit eventbrite.com.

Casual for Kids is the largest annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Charities of Northwest Florida. The Ronald McDonald House asks businesses, groups, and individuals to show their support for the kids by purchasing and wearing their Casual for Kids gear and taking a casual day. Supporters have the option to purchase t-shirts and socks by donating to RMH. On April 29 thousands along the Gulf Coast will wear their t-shirt to help continue RMHC’s mission of keeping families close. To support and find more information, visit casualforkids.org.

Ballet Pensacola Presents The Wizard of Oz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 22–May 1 Take a trip this spring to the Emerald City as Ballet Pensacola follows the yellow brick road somewhere over the rainbow to the land of the Wizard of Oz, joining Dorothy on her journey to meet the wonderful Wizard as she makes incredible friends along her way.

Performances will be held at the Pensacola Little Theatre April 22 through May 1. For information and a complete list of showtimes by date, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Pensacola Crawfish Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 29–May 1 The Pensacola Crawfish Festival is returning to Seville Square and Fountain Park on April 29 through May 1. The festival features live music, cajun food, drinks and desserts.

The festival will run from 11 am to 11 pm on Friday, 10 am to 11 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 5pm on Sunday. Adult admission is $5 a day, ages 6–12 admission is $2 a day and kids 5 and under are free. Admission gates will be located on Government Street (across from Hub Stacey’s) and Zaragoza Street (across from Pensacola Bay Brewery).

For more information and further details, visit fiestapensacola.org.

PENSACOLA OPERA’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT

OPERAZZI

Under the Big Top Join us under the big top for a fantastical evening including a gourmet fourcourse dinner, free-flowing wine, variety acts, live music, dancing, carnival games, and more! The evening’s main attraction features a live auction of unique items and experiences to support our Artists in Residence program.

Step into a world of amazement for an event that’s promised to be the

greatest show on earth FRIDAY, MAY 13 | 6:30 PM | SANDERS BEACH RESOURCE CENTER | TICKETS: $150 850.433.6737 | PENSACOLAOPERA.COM

F I R S T C I T Y A RT C E N T E R

BACK ON TAP! MAY 6, 5:30-9PM

KIDS ACTIVITIES GALLERY SHOW ART MARKET LIVE MUSIC !

HANDMADE CUPS FOOD TRUCKS CRAFT BEER ART DEMOS

WWW.FIRSTCITYART.ORG

A Place for You PENSACOLA DOWNTOWN

PENSACOLA AIRPORT /CORDOVA MALL

850-432-0202

850-478-1123

marriott.com/pnsdt

2187 Airport Boulevard

5049 Corporate Woods Drive

pensacolaairport.hamptoninn.com

pensacolaairport.homewoodsuites.com

850-479-8900

850-476-8383

601 E. Chase Street

850-439-3330

700 E. Chase Street marriott.com/pnspc

1144 Airport Boulevard pensacolaairportmedicalcenter.hgi.com

Business

Vacation

850-474-3777

6000 Cobble Creek Road marriott.com/pnsrp

Extended Stay

HIGHPOINTE.COM

MILITARYMATTERS

MILITARYMATTERS

AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

T

he University of West Florida has been recognized with a 2022-2023 Top Ten Military Friendly® School designation in the large public category.

In the annual rankings released on March 7, 2022, UWF ranked No. 4, jumping to the highest spot on the list in school history. UWF was the only Florida State University System institution to earn recognition from Military Friendly® in the large public Top Ten category.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our service members and we are honored they chose the University of West Florida to pursue their higher education goals,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “This accolade is a reflection of the warm reception and individual attention our veterans receive at UWF.” The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center serves as the leading campus advocate for military, dependents and veteran students, working to ensure the needs of these individuals are met through coordination with multiple university offices and services. The MVRC immediately engages with students when they fill out and indicate a military affiliation on a UWF application. Military-affiliated students receive assistance using VA education benefits and scholarships, learn about programming, tutoring and

18 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

counseling opportunities, as well as accommodations that are made for those with disabilities. Student services include VetSuccess on campus; UWF Veterans Mentoring program; the Social Work Interns Mentoring, or SWIM, team; MVRC computer lab; laptop loan program; and VA vocational and rehabilitation & counseling services. The Student Veterans of America network allows veterans to connect with each other.

“I believe the advancement in our Military Friendly® ranking is due to the great collaboration within the University and from the support of our leadership,” said Lori Milkeris, an Air Force veteran who serves as director of UWF’s Military & Veterans Resource Center. “The MVRC worked with University staff in IT, admissions, institutional communications and each college to ensure the military-affiliated students were getting the best assistance and the most up-to-date information.”

This ranking is another in a long list of accolades that distinguish UWF as an institution committed to sustained success for veterans, active duty members of the armed forces, future Army and Air Force officers and other military affiliated students. Accolades include Military Friendly® University designation for over 10 years, Top 25 for Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News

Im a g e c o u r t e s y o f U n i v e r s i t y o f We s t F l o r i d a

UWF RANKS IN TOP FIVE NATIONALLY FOR MILITARY FRIENDLY® SCHOOLS

and World Report, Military Friendly Spouse School and Purple Heart University by the local chapter of Military Order of Purple Heart.

Military Friendly® scored more than 1,800 schools that completed its survey by using an outside advisory council that provides perspective on criteria, methodology and weighting.

A third-party auditor then verified the results.

Award levels are defined as: • Top 10 Gold – A ranked list of the Top 10 in a category based on a numerical score.

• Gold – within 10% of the last ranked organization in Top 10 Gold.

• Silver – within 20% of the last ranked organization in Gold.

• Bronze – within 30% of the last ranked organization in Silver.

• Designated – These organizations are deemed Military Friendly® based on survey results.

Military Friendly Schools awards colleges and universities that demonstrate positive education outcomes for veterans and their families.

Around 665 schools received Military Friendly® distinction for 2022-2023.

To see a complete list of this year’s award winners, or to learn more about Military Friendly ratings and how to participate, visit militaryfriendly.com.

For more information about the Military and Veterans Resource Center, visit uwf.edu/mvrc.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER SPECIALIST

Did you know home ownership is the #1 thing you can do to create long term wealth?

Simone Sands, Realtor ©, CRS Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty 17 West Cedar Street, Suite 2, Downtown Pensacola cell 850-293-2292 | office 850-434-2244

Please join us for our 4 thannual

Jelly Bean 5K Run! Join us Easter Saturday, April 16th, 2022, for the 4th Annual Jelly Bean 5K race!

This is a family friendly event with state of the art race timing through the gentle rolling hills of Cordova Park. This year’s run will have a timed run and timed walk, as well as our children’s fun run.

April 16, 2022 GetMeRegistered.com/JellyBeanRun Presented by Trinity Presbyterian Church 3400 Bayou Blvd Pensacola, FL 32503

Proceeds will go towards a clean water filtration project in Jicamarca, Peru, a LivingWatersfortheWorld.org project.

Awards for first place finishers in each age group are the Famous Easter Cakes provided by the Trinity Presbyterian Women.

Appearance By The Sheriffs Mounted Posse.

Thank you to our Sponsors!