February 6, 2004 -- You may have heard about the Chautauqua of yesteryear, a kind of county fair of education and uplift, with a weekend of lectures, workshops and seminars, but nary a scary ride in sight. It's back from February 26 through March 7, but instead of being in upstate New York where it originated, this assembly will be in sunny DeFuniak Springs in Florida's Panhandle, and you could end up being paid a little something to participate.
Some 30 attendees will receive $75 each to be a consultant and help design an "active adult community of tomorrow." Sponsored by The Eagle Group, this interactive session will include universal design and components representing the environmental, cultural, recreational, commercial and residential elements required for successful development. Renowned interior designers, developers, engineers, golf course designer and recreational experts will be there, the sponsors say, to guide the project through conception.
But there's a lot more. There will be lectures, seminars and workshops, one, for instance, on politics with a Canadian consul general, a judge, and a priest to look at the current situation. There's also an interfaith panel led by another clergyman, a literary trip of Florida's Panhandle, and a study of Handel's Messiah and the music of Scotland.
For fun, there will be a Pensacola Opera concert, featuring highlights from LaScala to Broadway, an Oscar Night Gala, as well as performances of Bach and Mozart. Civil War buffs might like a Living History Encampment (featuring both sides), with firing demonstrations and basic drills. Artsy should enjoy porcelain painting, stained glass making, and such. Photography, sports and personal development are also on the agenda.
Children, who will have some experiences free of charge, can participate in mime and dance, movies, a scavenger hunt, stomp dancing and Indian story telling.
DeFuniak Springs hosted the Florida Chautauqua from 1885 to 1920 and now is reviving it, fashioned for the modern mind and taste. The coastline here has miles of sugar white sand, so you can just lie on the beach and vegetate. Nobody will say you did the wrong thing.
Many programs and events such as the various art shows, amphitheater events and most kids' programs are free. Most lectures, classes, performances and workshops range from $6 to $15. There are single day tickets ($20) and five kinds of "passports," which cover a multitude of events, ranging from one for four days at $30 to $35 (depending on whether you buy in advance or at the door) to a Super Passport good for all 11 days and costing $140 ($150).
For more information, visit www.florida-chautauqua-center.org or phone 800/822-6877.