LUNA by Richard Blake, Clay for Bronze

The Annual Awards Exhibition is the National Sculpture Society’s most popular exhibition – and no wonder. The sculptures on display range from the traditional to the otherworldly, and include everything from portrait busts and figures, to animals, both domestic and wild. Almost 200 artists applied to the competition which offers thousands of dollars in cash prizes.

The exhibit opens on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at Brookgreen Gardens. The juried show features the figurative works of 48 members. The show will be exhibited exclusively on the grounds of the historic gardens located on Pawleys Island, where it will be on display through October 31.

Fellows (FNSS), Elected Members (NSS), and Associates comprise the levels of sculptor membership of the organization, which is international in scope and appeal. National Sculpture Society and its members are dedicated to the creation and showcasing of art that is inspired by nature.

WHITE PINE OWL by John Svenson , Wood

National Sculpture Society was founded in New York City in 1893 by a group of America’s most prominent sculptors. Its members have created much of this country’s public sculpture, coins, and medals since the late 1800s. It is the oldest organization of professional sculptors in the United States, and has been hosting exhibitions for over a century.

Sculptors featured in the exhibition include: Seth Alexander; Béla Bácsi, FNSS; Tammy Bality, Richard Becker; Richard Blake, FNSS; Marlys Boddy; Paige Bradley, NSS; Kate Brockman; Mary Buckman; Aldo Casanova, FNSS; Jiwoong Cheh; Tim Cherry, FNSS; Bob Coffee; John Coleman, FNSS; Jane DeDecker, FNSS; Mick Doellinger; Deon Duncan;
Clay Enoch; Edward Fleming; Steven Flom; Gail Folwell;
Jay F. Goldstein; Ingo Heinrich-Appel; Amy Kann, NSS; Robert Kelly; Stephen Layne; Matthew Lewis; Richard A. Moore, III; Dora Natella, NSS; Leo E. Osborne, NSS; Pokey Park; Louise Peterson, FNSS; Tom Player; Alan Proctor; Jim Rennert, NSS; Paul Rhymer; David Rogers;
Rosetta, FNSS; Wayne Salge; Stefan Savides; Sandy Scott, NSS; Tim Shinabarger, FNSS; John Svenson, FNSS; Melinda Whitmore; Ellen Woodbury; Steve Worthington; Gary Yarrington; and Rod Zullo, NSS.

The 77th Annual Awards Exhibition is open daily to the public, 9:30 AM
to 5:00 PM, and is free with regular admission to the Gardens. A catalogue of the show will be made available for purchase at the Brookgreen Gardens gift shop. For more information about National Sculpture Society or this exhibition, please visit www.nationalsculpture.org or www.brookgreens.com.

OCTOHANDY by Richard Moore, III - Bronze

A Day in the Life of Lincolnville Through the Eyes of Children

Have you ever wondered how a child views the town they live in? A new exhibit in the St. Johns County Rotunda Gallery will present a unique look of Lincolnville as seen by its younger residents.

Opening Reception
The opening reception for A Day in the Life of Lincolnville Through the Eyes of Children will take place on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 8:00a.m. before the St. Johns County Board of Commissions meeting in the County Administration building located at 500 San Sebastian View.

Young Artists
The exhibit will feature 20 photographs and 7 paintings portraying the Lincolnville neighborhood.  The participating artists range in age from 11 to16 years old. Local photographer, Justin Itnyre gave direction to the young photographers and  local art instructor, Corrie Borglund,  helped as well.  The childrens’ photographs will be published in a book later this year.

A Day in the Life of Lincolnville Through the Eyes of Children will be on exhibit through October.  It is the first all student art exhibit to hang in the Rotunda.

The Cyprian Center of Expressive Arts
The mission of the Cyprian Center of Expressive Arts is to bring art and art programming to the Lincolnville community. In keeping with this mission, the Cyprian Center applied for and received a grant from the Crisp Ellert Fund for a project titled, A Day in the Life of Lincolnville Through the Eyes of Children.

The St. Johns County Administration building is located at 500 San Sebastian View in St. Augustine , just south of the County’s Lewis Speedway complex.

The exhibit is available for public viewing weekdays between 8:00a.m. and 5:00p.m.
The Cultural Council is funded in part by a Local Arts Agency Grant from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and through the support of Regions

Bank. For more information about the Council and cultural events, visit www.stjohnsculture.com.

The schedule includes a wide variety of events from arts & craft market, air show, grande parade, boat parade and blessing, dog demonstrations and much much more.

For more details regarding the schedule check out our special events page for the Beaufort Water Festival

Alfred Hitchcock, director

Alfred Hitchcock is the master of suspense. Now you have an opportunity to see on of Hitchcock’s most acclaimed but rarely screened classics. The classic Strangers on a Train from 1951 is screening at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Brunswick on Thursday, July 22, at 7:00 p.m.

The screenplay was adapted by acclaimed mystery writer Raymond Chandler from the novel by famous author Patricia Highsmith. Many of Patricia Highsmith’s books have been adapted for the silver screen, including The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) starring Matt Damon and Jude Law.

The film features Farley Granger, who also starred in Hitchcock’s Rope a few years earlier, as a famous tennis pro who unwittingly becomes ensnared in a malicious plot concocted by the wealthy, decadent Bruno. played by Robert Walker. Alfred Hitchcock’s own daughter, Patricia, also has a supporting role in the movie.

This film is the fourth in the Summer Classic Movies at the Ritz series presented by Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA).

Every week of the Summer Classic Movies series features a selection of fun and rare short subjects beginning at 6:30 p.m. This week’s screening includes a short film about train travel in the 1950s (appropriately enough) and a classic cartoon about a mischievous boy on a runaway train saved by his faithful dog. There is also free popcorn (first come, first served), as well as door-prize drawings and special offers from local merchants.

Admission to Strangers on a Train is $5. Doors open at 5:00. Ticket holders can show their tickets at Arte Pizza, a couple of doors down from the Ritz on Newcastle St., and get 10% off their meal before the show.

The series continues the remaining Thursday evening in July with the landmark 1968 film Bonnie and Clyde (July 29). The grand finale of the season will be a special matinee of Gone with the Wind on Sunday, August 1, at 3:00 p.m. Audiences can purchase tickets at the door to see just the movie and shorts for $5. Advance tickets are also on sale for $12, which entitles the ticket holder to admission plus a delicious intermission Silver Screen Snack catered by Southern Soul Barbeque: a pulled pork slider and two sides that you can take back into the theater and enjoy during the second half of the show. Advance tickets can be ordered on line at goldenislesarts.org; in person at the Ritz, 1530 Newcastle St., Downtown; or by phone(912-262-6934).

For more information www.goldenislesarts.org. Or call GIAHA at 912-262-6934.

April Johnston, fashion designer

2010 SCAD fashion grad and Savannah resident April Johnston is to be a competitor in upcoming season of “Project Runway”.

At 21 years old, April will be the youngest of the 17 contestants, the largest number of designers in the show’s history. And the Savannah resident is the only contestant from the South.

“Everybody at SCAD is thrilled for April. We’ll all be glued to our sets,” says School of Fashion Dean Michael Fink. “If her provocative and powerful senior collection is any indication, we’re confident she’ll create some exciting and intriguing clothes.”

April’s senior collection was inspired by deconstructed halls, old asylums and abandoned morgues. Her SCAD Style Lab mentor, Zac Posen, guided her through the creation of her collection. The result was a theme of dark beauty—black and grey designs whose beauty was found in the detailed textures.

“Project Runway” premieres on Lifetime Network Thursday, July 29 at 9 p.m. EST.

April Johnston's SCAD Senior Collection

Perfect Pear Margarita

Tequila aficionados on the coast rejoice! I have found the perfect excuse for a party – July 24 is National Tequila Day. Forget the shots, and explore the wide range of flavors offered from silky chocolate to spicy pepper. Take this opportunity to impress your friends with your mixology skills.

In the olden days, I think we would refer to it as “bartender skills”. Remember Tom Cruise and that Australian guy in the movie “Cocktail”?
Nowadays the real experts in the field are called “mixologists”.

The cocktail recipes below is sure to be a hit with your friends. Plus, there’s no need to pretend to be a cool Tom Cruise and throw bottles in the air or pour drinks behind your back. I’m sure you’re better half is going to be appreciate that too.

Remember, presentation is 25% – the rest is in taste. And with that, we’re ending my mixology lesson for the day.

Happy Tequila Day!

National Tequila Day Cocktail Recipes

Here are two tasty cocktail recipes to make your Tequila Day party a success.

Passion Caipirinha

Passion Caipirinha

1 oz. 1800 Select Silver
1 oz. Passion fruit juice
1 oz. Agave Nectar
5 Muddled Limes
Drizzle of Raspberry liquor

Muddle limes and agave nectar in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add ice and all other ingredients besides the raspberry liquor. Shake and pour contents into a rocks glass and drizzle with the raspberry liquor.

Perfect Pear Margarita

1 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila
.25 oz. Pear Puree
.25 oz. Fresh lime juice
.25 oz. Agave nectar
Splash of Chambord

Combine first four ingredients in a cocktail shake with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a lightly salted high ball glass. Float with Chambord for a drizzle effect.

The United States’ best selling super-premium tequila is named after the year it was created, 1800® Tequila is pure, 100% blue agave tequila grown on family-owned ranches and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico. The tequila is double-distilled and matured in oak barrels and the unique stopper doubles as a shot glass – comes in handy!

Shelly, shrimp sculpture Fernandina Beach, Florida

Fiberglass shrimp sculptures, each whimsically decorated by a local artist have been installed in the Fernandina Beach area and on Amelia Island.  Each shrimp sculpture is unique with its own individual personality.

Shrimp Expressions  is a community art project to benefit Micah’s Place Domestic Violence Center.  But in September the Shrimp will retreat to a temporary home to rest and get freshened up because  it’s time for them to find new homes.

On  October 16, 2010, the shrimp sculptures available for purchase will be auctioned at Micah’s Place  spectacular ShrimpElation Celebration.

Tickets to the auction will go on sale to the public in August. If you would like to take part in this fun-filled evening, please call (904) 491-6364, ext. 100 to make your reservation.

Click here for a downloadable  map in pdf format  - locate the shrimp in downtown Fernandina

Moongoose, Fernandina Beach, Fl

The event was founded by Marianne Campbell and Malorie Shannon over 12 years ago. It has grown from a small neighborhood summer event to an annual festival at the beach, and now an annual holiday festival has sprouted out of the effort as well.

Every Woman’s Art & Craft Festival takes place at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and works are moderately priced.

For more information, visit www.everywomansart.moonfruit.com

Jackson and Maggie Evans, Silver Lining

The Jazz in the Park seaside outdoor concerts are always scheduled at high tide (for maximum breeze and bug-free comfort). The concert with Silver Lining takes place on Sunday evening, July 25, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the St. Simons Lighthouse lawn.

Visit our special events page for more information about the summer concert series Jazz in the Park at St. Simons Lighthouse

The race will begin at the southern end of the Castillo de San Marcos on Avenida Menendez, then south on Avenida Menendez, east over the Bridge of Lions, and through Davis Shores for the finish. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. and finishes by 10:30 a.m.

For more information, call 904.815.1004.

Read more on our special events page for Palette and Palate Stroll, Charleston

On Tuesday July 13, 2010, the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, SC, it’s time for another Sustainable Seafood event – this time the event will include craft brews as well. It will be a special night where you get to indulge in seafood and special brews at the Riverside terrace overlooking the Charleston Harbor at the South Carolina Aquarium. All the fun is for a good cause, because proceeds from the event will go towards the South Carolina Aquarium’s conservation and education programs.

The special evening will feature sustainable seafood prepared by five of Charleston’s finest chefs, drinks, and a magnificent view. You get to taste a variety of sustainable seafood dishes prepared by the chefs from Fleet Landing, Pearlz, Slightly North of Broad, the Restaurant at Middleton Place and the Boathouse. In addition, there will also be a selection of beer samplings, courtesy of Highland Brewing Company, Brooklyn Brewery and Full Sail Brewing Company.

Tickets for the evening are $25 per Aquarium member, $35 per Aquarium non-member, and all guests must be of ages 21 or older. Advance reservations and payment are required. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (843) 577-FISH (3474).

McIntosh County Shouters

The McIntosh County Shouters are making a special appearance on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston Street in Savannah.

The McIntosh County Shouters have been bringing folks to their feet with their unique “shouting” performance for over 30 years. A mesmerizing blend of circling dance movements, call-and-response singing and percussive handclaps, modern “shouting” derives from the communication used by African slaves working in rice fields in the 18th- and 19th centuries. It is thought to be one of the oldest surviving forms of African American cultural and spiritual expression, and its influences can be heard in later musical genres including jubilee, gospel, and even jazz.

The ring shout tradition was for the most part forgotten by the world until it was discovered that a small community had been passing down this joyful practice for generations. The group began performing as the McIntosh County Ring Shouters in 1980 and has held audiences spellbound ever since. Unchanged for hundreds of years, today’s ring shout both pays homage to the community’s ancestors and contributes to a greater understanding of early African American culture.

The Shouters have been featured in a Georgia Public Broadcasting documentary, performed at Lincoln Center in New York City, and are a recipient of the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.

This event is brought to you by the Georgia Historical Society and is free and open to the public. For more information, www.GeorgiaHistory.com

The McIntosh County Shouters presented by The Georgia Historical Society on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston St., Savannah, GA
Cost: FREE

View Map of the Location here

48 hour Film Project
Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 7 PM
Ticket Prices: $20 (Adult); $10 (Student)
“Best Of” VIP Reception (Additional ticket needed for reception)
Event Time: 6 – 7 PM
Ticket Prices: $20 (Adult); $15 (Student)

See the best of the best from the 48 Hour Film Project 2010. The “Best of” will be screened this evening, and there is also a special VIP party (special tickets required).

In 2010, the 48 Hour Film Project was held in over eighty cities worldwide. The best film from each city competes for the prestigious international award “Best Film of the 48 Hour Film Project 2010.”

Jacksonville’s 48 Hour Film Project is in its fourth year this year.

Click here for tickets to the 48 hour Film Project Screening in Jacksonville

Summer Movie Classics “The Breakfast Club”
with Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy
1985, 97 Minutes, Color, Rated R

Five students with nothing in common end up spending a day together during Saturday detention at the high school.
Sunday, July 11, 2010 at 2 PM
Click here to buy tickets for The Breakfast Club screening

Summer Movie Classics – The Godfather Part 1 and The Godfather Part 2
Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall
This mafia saga tells the story of  a family and organized crime during a ten year period. The Godfather Part 1 is screened on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 2 PM and The Godfather part2 on Sunday July 25, 2pm.

Click here to buy tickets to the Godfather

For more information, visit www.Floridatheatre.com

All you have to do is visit a Chick-fil-A in full “head to hoof” cow costume and receive a free Chick-fil-A Meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) on July 9, 2010. If you’re a too chicken to dress up when it’s not Halloween — Chick-fil-A will actually award a complimentary entrée to those dressed in partial cow attire. (cow-spotted scarf, purse, hat or accessory).

Just check out the silly video below…

More about Cow Appreciation Day:

· Chick-fil-A has launched www.cowappreciationday.com. This website offers cow costume ideas and tips, as well as downloadable cow spots, masks and other bovine-themed accessories for customers to use to create their costumes.

· Two online photo contests are part of the festivities. A photo contest for adults is hosted on the Chick-fil-A Facebook page http://facebook.com/Chick-fil-A. A second photo contest for kids 10 and under called Show Us the Cow is available at www.showusthecow.com. Both contests will award free Chick-fil-A products for a year to the best cow-dressed customers, and children will also have the opportunity to win a $1,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond and a digital camera through the “Show Us the Cow” photo contest.

The Family Circle Cup
Daniel Island, SC

Come out to the Lowcountry’s biggest party on August 11, 2010,  when Charleston’s favorite band returns for the eighth consecutive Homegrown Concert.  This concert is always sold out, so don’t hesitate or wait – you need to buy your tickets today! (Link at the bottom of this post!)

The band has asked fans to bring school supplies to the event.  All school supplies are donated to local schools.

Hootie & the Blowfish,  Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Darius Rucker, and Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, have sold more than 25 million albums since they started back in 1994.  The band established the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation to support children of South Carolina through supporting school music programs.

Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 7:00pm

Click here for tickets!

Ruben won against Clay Aiken, but after the American Idol contest, Clay Aiken became the second best selling American Idol star.
Clay was also voted Favorite Reality Star of 2003 by TV Guide readers and “the most-loved reality star of all time” in a TV Guide poll in 2005. In addition, he was voted “Favorite American Idol” in 2006 People magazine readers. Now these two favorite “American Idols” are coming to Jacksonville, Florida for a concert. If you are a fan, you don’t want to miss this performance.

Saturday July 24, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. at the Florida Theatre

Click here to reserve your tickets now!

Click here for tickets to Weird Al Yankovic

The First Wednesday Art Walk is a self-guided tour of galleries and other venues in the downtown area. The downtown ambassadors are handing out maps in Hemming Plaza ( or Click here to download the map from our special page for First Wednesday Art Walk).

This is one of the best ways to spend an evening and explore the downtown area. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the art walk, and don’t know what to expect – watch our video on our special page First Wednesday Art Walk. You can also find more information about parking etc. on that page.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through America’s oldest landscaped gardens while sampling a variety of summer wines at Middleton Place. During each wine stroll Middleton Place will host the wine tasting in a different garden location.

Wine tasting in the gardens of Middleton Place takes place on Wednesdays from from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Cost is $10.00 per person and reservations are not required for the event.
Summer Wine Strolls every Wednesday through September.

For more information visit www.middletonplace.org or call (843) 556-6020.

Moonlight Mixer
July 16, 7 – 11 p.m.
Folly Beach Fishing Pier

Come to Folly Beach Fishing Pier where DJ Jim Bowers will spin the hottest oldies and beach music around so you and your significant other can dance the night away under the stars.

Only 600 tickets will be sold for this event. Call (843) 795-4FUN (4386) for more information. Tickets: $10/$8 CCR Discount/$10 on-site if still available
Check out our special page for Moonlight Mixer

Reggae Concert Series – Jahfe
July 17, 7:30 – 11 p.m.
James Island County Park

This concert features traditional roots reggae mixed in with a new school attitude. The Reggae Nights concert series takes place in the county parks in the Charleston, SC area all summer long. No advance tickets will be sold. Band subject to change.  Saturday, July 17, 7:30-11 p.m. James Island County Park. $8 or 5 Greenbax/Free: Gold Pass Holders and ages 12 & under.

For more concert dates check out our special page for Reggae Nights

Bluegrass Under the Bridge – Common Ground
July 31, 7 – 11 p.m.
Mount Pleasant Pier

At the new Mount Pleasant Pier you can listen to some of the best music Charleston has to offer, with bluegrass band Common Ground.   Beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Only 800 tickets will be sold for this event. Advance purchase is recommended. There will be no refunds issued or rain dates scheduled for this event. Call (843) 795-4FUN (4386) for more information.

Saturday, July 31, 7-11 p.m. Mount Pleasant Pier. Ages 3 & up. Tickets: $10/$8 CCR Discount/$10 on-site if still available

These concerts are organized by the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission. For more information, call (843) 795-4FUN (4386) or visit  www.ccprc.com.

“Cary Grant is easily the most requested and best-loved star of any of the movies we’ve shown in the summer classic series, so we’re happy to present another of his great roles,” notes GIAHA’s Rob Nixon. “And it’s especially wonderful to see him with one of his best on-screen partners, Katharine Hepburn. This was the fourth and final time they appeared together, and their romantic chemistry and comic sparring is a joy to watch.”

Nixon adds that this was perhaps the most important picture in Hepburn’s nearly seven-decade career. A couple of years prior to this, she was one of several actresses declared “box office poison” by a motion picture trade magazine. Many thought her career was finished, but with her characteristically steely Yankee determination, she returned to her first love, theater, appearing in the stage version of The Philadelphia Story to sold-out audiences. When MGM went to buy the film rights to the Broadway hit with the intention of producing it for one of their big stars, they found that Hepburn owned the property—the only way they could bring it to the screen was with her in it! The result was a triumph all around, not only restoring Hepburn’s film career but creating a new image that would shape the rest of her performances for the next 50+ years.

It was also an important role for James Stewart. The young star had broken through to major success the year before with Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, earning him the first of five Oscar nominations. Stewart didn’t win then, but he did get the award a year later for The Philadelphia Story, holding his own with Grant and Hepburn as a “man of the people” writer who learns a few things about how the other half lives.

The movie starts at 7:00 p.m., but audiences who arrive at least a half hour early will also be treated to entertaining short subjects, including cartoons, coming attractions, and newsreels, just like the old-time movie experience. And there will be free popcorn (first come, first served) generously provided by Angie Aimar and James Laurens of Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners. Each night of the film series also features door-prize drawings and special offers from local merchants.

Admission to The Philadelphia Story, and to every film in the series, is only $5 for all ages. The first five films of the series are screened on Thursday nights in July at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00, leaving ample time to buy a ticket and take advantage of the many dining opportunities in Downtown Brunswick before the show.

The series concludes with a special matinee showing of Gone with the Wind on Sunday, August 1, at 3:00 p.m. Audiences can purchase tickets at the door to see just the movie and shorts for $5. Advance tickets are also on sale for $12, which entitles the ticket holder to admission plus a delicious intermission Silver Screen Snack catered by Southern Soul Barbeque: a pulled pork slider and two sides that you can take back into the theater and enjoy during the second half of the show.

Advance tickets can be ordered on line at goldenislesarts.org; in person at the Ritz, 1530 Newcastle St., Downtown; or by phone with credit card (262-6934).

For the month of July Freshfields Village will rock out with live music in a free concert series. Enjoy great music and after-hours shopping.

Friday, July 2, 6pm – 9pm – The Coconut Grove Band begins the Village’s celebration of the July 4th weekend with Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll, True Blue Standards and popular island tunes. Bring a chair or blanket.

Sunday, July 4th, 3pm – 6pm – Feel the beat of the islands with the Island Trio, who bring people to their feet with a mix of Calypso, Reggae, Beach and Rock & Roll.

Friday, July 9th, 6pm – 9pm – The David Archer Band returns to the Village crowds that love them, playing Rthymn & Blues, Rock & Roll and other tunes that prompt guests to dance the night away.

Friday, July 16th, 6pm – 9pm – Known all along the Carolina coast and a Lowcountry favorite; singer, songwriter Shrimp City Slim performs modern Blues to his own original tunes.

Friday, July 23rd, 6pm – 9pm – Originally known as a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, the Rum Punch Bandits expand their music to include Beach, Classic and Tex-Rock. A seven piece band first played at the Village in November 2000. Bring a chair or blanket and welcome Rum Punch Bandits back to the Green.

Friday, July 30th, 6pm – 9pm The whole family will enjoy the evening to the max when The Maxx hits the stage with hits from the 50s, 60s 70s and 80s. Nostalgia, and then some.

Visit Freshfield Village for more

This Fourth of July, get the kids involved in decorating the yard for a red, white and true blue backyard party.

* One-of-a-Kind Mural: Break out the sidewalk chalk and let the kids create their own patriotic sidewalk mural. Flags, fireworks, the Statue of Liberty – anything goes. Guests might like to try their hand at adding to the mural, too.
* A Patriotic Welcome: Put red, white and blue pinwheels and flags into buckets and flower pots filled with sand. Line the walkway to your door to set the mood and welcome guests.
* Balloon Fireworks: Use a funnel to fill red, white and blue balloons about one-quarter full with sparkly confetti. Inflate balloons with a hand pump and tie them off. Then, let kids pop away for some “firecracker” fun.
Of course, no Fourth of July party would be complete without an inspired dessert. I love the colors – and the flavor – of this Red, White and Blueberry Torte. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate a special day.

Red, White and Blueberry Torte
Makes 8 to 10 servings

3/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
2 large eggs
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 of an 8-ounce container frozen light whipped topping, thawed
2 cups sliced strawberries
1/4 cup fresh blueberries

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Line 9-inch-round cake pan with wax paper; grease paper.

COMBINE 3/4 cup sugar, butter and water in small, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Add 3/4 cup morsels; stir until smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir until well blended. Stir in remaining 3/4 cup morsels. Pour into prepared cake pan.

BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Invert torte onto wire rack; remove wax paper. Turn right side up; cool completely.

BEAT cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until creamy. Stir in whipped topping. Spread over torte; top with berries. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information per serving: 540 calories; 290 calories from fat; 32g total fat; 21g saturated fat; 105mg cholesterol; 280mg sodium; 58g carbohydrate; 3g fiber; 42g sugars; 7g protein; 15% Vitamin A; 40% Vitamin C

Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.

Photo courtesy of Nestlé
For more recipes worth celebrating, visit TollHouse.com.

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The Chronicles of Narnia
Through September 12 – Step through the wardrobe and into the world of Narnia. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition is a magical exhibit based on the blockbuster film series and fictional children’s classics by author C.S. Lewis. Hailed as the near-perfect visitor experience, the exhibit combines original film costumes, set drawings and props from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian with newly created educational interactives, videos and interviews with scientists so that visitors can consider the surprising similarity between our world and that of Narnia.

People of the St. Johns
Through January 30 – Travel back in time to learn about Northeast Florida’s first inhabitants. Guest curator Keith Ashley, Ph.D., an archeologist at the University of North Florida, has partnered with MOSH to create this new exhibit that explores the everyday life of the people of the St. Johns. The exhibit, which contains artifacts from MOSH’s and UNF’s collections, also incorporates artwork from present-day local artist Theodore Morris who masterfully captures the essence of these native people.