PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2006) – Artists, environmentalists and historical re-enactors join forces this month for Nature’s Gallery in Panama City Beach, Fla. The free, annual festival showcases Northwest Florida’s natural and cultural treasures, Sat. and Sun., Oct. 28 - 29, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at St. Andrews State Park. If you enjoy music, art, food, games, sunshine, scenery or all the above, you’re in for a treat. This unique, hands-on celebration of nature offers something for every family member.

In the Artists Market, you’ll find handcrafted jewelry, pottery, ceramics and more from local and regional artists, many with national followings. With the holidays around the corner, the Market is the place to hunt for beautiful, one-of-a-kind gifts. Nearby in the children’s tent, little ones can create their own works of art, have their faces painted and talk with artists about their work.

Step back in time in the Civil War encampment, where you’ll see re-enactments of daily life in 19th-century Florida. History comes alive through demonstrations of artillery, medical treatments, fashion, music, dance and games of the era. Watch soldiers drill and women weave and cook over the campfire, all in period costume. Wander through a blacksmith’s shop, or try your hand at candle making. It’s all part of this celebration of our frontier heritage.

At the Indian village, watch Native American dancing, or visit the storyteller’s teepee for folktales and legends. Local Native Americans will be on hand to discuss their culture and display their crafts.

For an up-close-and-personal glimpse at Florida’s amazing wildlife, take in interactive exhibits of exotic birds from Big Bend Wildlife Center and animals from ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Park. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill petting zoo. Previous Nature’s Gallery exhibits have featured eagles and large reptiles visitors could approach and in some cases handle.

The star of Nature’s Gallery is of course the beauty and bounty of nature itself. Paintings, sculpture, crafts and legends cast the spotlight on the natural world in all its glory. The weather is part of the show too. The Gulf Coast boasts a near perfect fall clime, with sunny skies and daytime temperatures in the high sixties and low seventies. For more on Nature’s Gallery, call 800-PCBEACH, or visit Panama City Beach online at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

About Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of silky, white-sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida destination was cited as one of America’s Most Beautiful Beaches by Condé Nast Traveler, 2006. Additional recognition as a top beach destination comes from The Travel Channel, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, delectable dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-5070) or visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.