It is a 4-day, conference style event for the whole family orchestrated since 1996 by a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization called the Florida Chautauqua Center, Inc.  We are not religiously affiliated nor politically aligned, and we host discussions on a wide range of topics during our annual assembly.  We welcome famous speakers to open and close our assemblies, and we host free exhibits for the entire community to enjoy.  

 

Where is the event?

Our campus is comprised of many locations throughout DeFuniak Springs:  Hall of Brotherhood, First United Methodist Church, Lake Yard, Community Center, Fair Grounds.  Check-in and registration is at the Hall of Brotherhood on Circle Drive during the event. 

 

What’s happening at the 2010 Assembly?

Our theme is “A Journey into the Caribbean,” and Jenna Bush-Hager, daughter of former President and Mrs. George W. Bush, will be our featured keynote speaker on Friday morning during the event.  We are hosting many other sessions throughout the assembly relating to education, art, recreation and religion, and that information is being updated daily on our website.  Exhibits this year will include a live animal exhibit from Brian Staples Animal Reserve & Rescue coming from the state of Washington, an underwater photography exhibit by Jim Wainwright of Mobile, Alabama, the Walton County School District’s student museum on the island nations of the Caribbean, and a Muscogee Nation Indian Camp in the DeFuniak Springs Lake Yard.  We also are hosting other art exhibits, an International Marketplace (hosted by the DeFuniak Springs Rotary Club) and our signature monologue teas.

 

Is it free, or is there a cost to go?

All exhibits are free and open to the public (live animal exhibits, art shows, Sunday afternoon presentations in the Lake Yard, Muscogee Nation Indian Camp).  However, there is a $10 fee to attend our famous keynote presentations (like Jenna Bush-Hager).  Our breakout sessions will be $8.  Our monologue teas, which include food and entertainment, will be $18.  Evening performances will be $10.  Money-saving, 4-day “passports” can be purchased for $125 where you can attend all events, sessions, continental breakfasts, lunches, your choice of two teas, evening performances, and reserved seating at Jenna Bush-Hager’s presentation.

 

How can I purchase tickets?

We are taking reservations for 4-day passports now.  Call us at 850-892-7613 or e-mail us at cmitchell002@panhandle.rr.com.  Individual session/event tickets can be purchased at the Hall of Brotherhood on Circle Drive during the assembly, but some sessions could fill up by those purchasing 4-day passports in advance.   If you plan to attend only select sessions, you may wish to call in advance to make sure seating is still available at that session.