By Nicholas Frank Sanzone | Tourism Director

FROM YOUR TOURISM DIRECTOR,

Embracing the Spirit of Growth and Community in February

Dear Members and Friends of the Sebastian Chamber of Commerce,

As March unfolds, we stand on the dawn of spring's arrival, a season synonymous with rejuvenation and growth. March signifies a time of renewal and transformation. This Month we celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the nations first national wildlife reffuge, the Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge. Our Sebastian area continues to thrive, propelled by the steadfast dedication of our chamber in fostering local businesses, strengthening connections, and championing our vibrant community. Together, nestled in the heart of our sun-kissed coastal town, we are steadfast in our commitment to nurturing an environment conducive to progress, innovation, and collaboration.

As we step into the month of March, let us embrace the spirit of renewal and vitality that this season brings. Let's celebrate International Women's Day, a moment to honor the contributions of women in our community and beyond, and recognize the power of diversity and inclusion in driving progress. Together, united by our shared vision for a prosperous future, we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities. We encourage you to actively participate in the events, initiatives, and resources outlined in this newsletter, and we eagerly await your feedback, ideas, and contributions in shaping the trajectory of our community.

Thank you for your steadfast support and unwavering commitment to cultivating Sebastian as a vibrant hub for living, working, and flourishing. As March unfolds, let's embrace the longer days, budding flowers, and the promise of new beginnings. Together, let's make every moment count, as we continue to propel our community forward.

Warm regards, and gratefully yours,

Nicholas Sanzone

Tourism Director

Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce

VISITOR GUIDES

Don’t Forget that we have the visitor guides here, and if you need more just call me at the office. I would be happy to bring them to your business.

If you have an event not shown in

our publications, please let us know so we can support you!

Also, now is the perfect time to reserve your ad space in next years visitor guides.

So, be sure to email tourism@sebastianchamber.com

TOURISM PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Pareidollia Brewing Company

Pareidolia Brewing Company:

Crafting Balanced and Exceptional Ales in Sebastian, Florida

Nestled in the heart of Sebastian, Florida, Pareidolia Brewing Company stands as a testament to the power of community, family-friendly atmosphere, and the artistry of crafting balanced ales with a diverse range of flavors. This unique brewery has not only become a local favorite but has also cultivated a space where residents and visitors alike can come together to enjoy quality brews. With live music, welcoming staff, and great food and drinks Pareidolia is fun & funky!

The brewery's name itself, "Pareidolia," reflects this commitment to creativity, as it is derived from the psychological phenomenon of perceiving familiar patterns or shapes where none exist. They saw faces in the clouds and their future was written in the sky, so they committed to the adventure of brewing and quickly became a leader in not only brewing but also in inspiring others to brew and create public places for the community to gather and share the news of the day in a quaint, chill, and charming environment with live music and good food.

The Pareidolia Brewing Company's story begins with a passion for craft brewing and a vision to create a space that goes beyond just serving beer. Founded by Pete and Lynn Anderson, the brewery opened its doors in 2014, quickly becoming the brewery and pub for the Sebastian community. From the outset, the goal was clear – to craft exceptional, balanced ales while fostering a sense of togetherness.

The journey of Pareidolia Brewing Company is steeped in dedication and a love for the craft. Drawing on years of brewing expertise, Pete and Lynn aimed to bring a unique and diverse range of flavors to Sebastian. At the heart of Pareidolia Brewing Company's success is the professional craftsmanship that goes into brewing each ale. The brewery's team of skilled artisans carefully selects ingredients, experiments with unique brewing techniques, and pays meticulous attention to detail to create a lineup of ales that cater to diverse palates. As Sebastian's go-to spot for exceptional ales, with 16 taps, and warm camaraderie, the brewery continues to leave an indelible mark on the local scene.

The brewery is more than just a place to grab a drink; it's a gathering spot where neighbors become friends and where new connections are forged. The welcoming ambiance invites patrons to relax, unwind, and share meaningful moments with one another. When they started there were only 80 breweries in Florida and now there are over 400, this is in no small part to their contributions to the community.

This year they have something special for the community, they have partnered with the other local brewery Mash Monkeys Brewing Company to create the Sebastian Centennial "Thanks Teddy Lagger" for the City of Sebastian 100 year celebration. This brew is something special designed to recreate the flavors that Teddy Rosevelt and Paul Kroegel would have enjoyed when they were discussing the future of the nation and the creation the first National Wildlife Refuge right here in the Indian River Lagoon.

Thank you to Pareidolia Brewing Company for everything you contribute to, from the River Days & Craft Brew Hullabaloo to the Ale trail, golf tournament and more all while donating to charities and youth programs of local schools. Pareidolia Brewing Company stands as a testament to the power of combining rich brewing traditions with a commitment to community and family.

To visit the Pareidolia website click here.

Check out their events calendar Click The Image Below.

https://www.pareidoliabrewing.com/events

To view their menu

Click The Image Below.

https://www.pareidoliabrewing.com/pub-grub

Brewing balanced ale along the Sebastian trail.

The Mug Club is here for you, Join today.

The "Thanks Teddy Lager" is now on tap and in the can.

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

CONCERTS IN THE PARK 2024

Concerts in the Park at Riverview Park Review

The Bobby Owen band kicked off the fist of the concerts on January 12th and It was spectacular. We had 430 of people in attendance and the bandshell was rocking. On Feburary 2nd, Johnny and the Blaze will take the stage as our seccond concert in the Park at Riverview Park, along the Indian River Lagoon.

At each event every attendee receives a free raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes donated from local Chamber Members. Food vendors on site. At the last concert there were 12 raffel baskets full of prizes from our members, and there was a suprise raffel item of a free concert valued at $1,000 from the Bobby Owen Band.

These concerts are presented in partnership with the City of Sebastian, the Sebastian River Area Chamber, and our business sponsors, these events brings live musical talent and promotes the Chamber businesses with style. We have two concerts in February, so be sure to plan ahead and bring your favorite chair.

Call the SRA Chamber for more information 772-589-5969.

FEBRUARY FUTURE EVENTS

A night at the museum...

If you've ever dreamed of finding riches while walking on a sandy beach, you'll want to join us for a special presentation February 2nd at 6pm!

We invited Fred Banke, metal detecting extraordinaire, to speak about his treasure adventures on our beaches and share stories about his research, shipwreck history, and all that still remains under the sand in which we walk!

Presentation begins at 6pm | Light fare and beverages will be served

As this is a free event, if you wish to make any kind of a donation, 100% of your contribution will go to the Have a Heart Foundation.

Spayghetti & No Balls festival

Join us for our 1st Annual Spayghetti & No Balls festival benefitting a community spay/neuter fund! This family and dog-friendly festival will be held in the heart of Fellsmere and hosts fun activities for all of our guests, two and four-legged.

Enjoy live rockabilly music by Professor Pennygoode Mighty Flea Circus while you sample the delicious assortment of pastas and shop the wares of local artisans. Make sure to quench your thirst at the beer and wine tent!

Fun activity centers will be set up for the kids and dogs that will be sure to burn that extra energy!

The Main Event will be three performances by The Canine Stars as seen on America’s Got Talent! The Canine Stars entertainment act features a world-class team of dog trainers and their adopted dogs from all over the world. Guests will have a blast watching big air stunts, dock diving, frisbee freestyle routines, high jumping, agility, flyball racing, and other extreme dog sports.

Admission is free for all of guests!

Sebastian Craft Club Craft Show

Find a gift for that special someone at our next craft event on February 10th from 10am - 3pm

There will be local artists, food, italian Ice, beverages, music and more.

You can find jewelry, pottery, wood, soap, scrubs/moisturizers, resin/glass art, and so much more!

Want to become a guest vendor? go to https://sebastiancraftclub.com/pdf/gvinfo.pdf for more info.

Mangroves, Moonlight & Mambo!

ELC is taking your senses to Cuba! Mangroves, Moonlight and Mambo will be Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 6-9 PM.

This is their signature fundraiser and is how our education programs are made possible. Please join us as we celebrate our accomplishments and showcase our amazing outdoor Schidel Education and Event Pavilion!

Guests will enjoy an open bar with mojitos and other lively libations and a catered dinner on the lawn as the live Miami-based Cuban band entertains on stage.

Gather your friends and colleagues for a night of dancing the mambo while supporting your favorite organization! Secure your table now before they sell out. Tickets range from $250 each for general admission tables and up to $15,000 for VIP tables with exclusive benefits.

Deadline to purchase your Table ticket is January 26.

Raffle tickets will be sold up until the winner is drawn that night!

SAVE THE DATE

Annual Grant Seafood Festival

When: March 1-2, 2024

Where: 4580 1st Street, Grant, FL 32949

Enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Florida! Free admission, free parking, over 125 crafters exhibiting, live continuous entertainment, and a vast menu of delicious seafood, makes this one of the biggest festivals in town!

For more information, visit www.grantseafoodfestival.com

121st Anniversary of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

When: March 15-17, 2024

Where: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge 4055 Wildlife Way, FL 32949

Meet President Teddy Roosevelt, Wildlife Displays, Walking Tours, Kid's Fishing Demonstration, Pontoon Cruise, Fundraising Dinner

For more information, visit www.FirstRefuge.org

CRAFT CLUB OF SEBASTIAN CRAFT SHOW

When: March 15, 16, and 17, 2024

Where: RIVERVIEW PARK, SEBASTIAN

What: River Days & Craft Brew Hullabaloo is an annual 3-day celebration held in the historic city of Sebastian, Florida! This weekend long festival, brought to you by the Rotary Club of Sebastian and the City of Sebastian, will raise funds to support youth sports and organizations throughout North Indian River County.

For more information, check out www.RiverDaysFL.com