Most holidays and remembered dates celebrate the birth of someone or something. For instance, the NEA’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2 – Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the nation, schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids and teens with books. Read Across America Day calls for children in every community to celebrate reading on the birthday of this beloved children’s author.
However, Saint Patrick’s Day celebrates the Catholic feast of Saint Patrick, whose traditional date of death is March 17. It is believed that Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland. While the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ireland was in Waterford in 1903, the first American version of a St. Patrick’s Day was in a Spanish colony that is now St. Augustine, Florida. America’s oldest city claims the honor of holding the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration and parade. In 1600, troops shot cannons and guns on the historically religious holiday in an impromptu event to honor a popular local Irish priest. In 1601 the community held the world’s first recorded St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
March 6, National Frozen Food Day, celebrates all those yummy foods and snacks in your freezer. The invention of the freezer made this day possible. You think maybe frozen food manufacturers had a hand in creating this one?
And, March 9 is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time this year. Begun in an effort to help save energy and provide workers with more hours of serviceable daylight during long summer days, Daylight Savings Time was first introduced in the U.S. in 1918. However, it was not until 1966, when the Uniform Act was passed, that all states had to either observe DST or pass a state law to abstain.
Given a little imagination, any day can become a “holiday.” So, get out and celebrate every day this month. Here is a sample of things to do in March all around Florida:
March 1 – 2: Battle of Natural Bridge Reenactment, Woodville. The 160th anniversary, and 48th annual re-enactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge that took place during the Civil War provides living history demonstrations and historic presentations. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations requested for admission – adults $5, children 6 – 12 $1. At Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, 7502 Natural Bridge Road, Tallahassee, 6 miles east of Woodville. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
March 3: Conch Shell Blowing Contest, Key West. The annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest is sponsored by Old Island Restoration Foundation, The annual contest is a unique and culturally significant event in Key West, celebrating the conch shell’s historic use as a maritime communication device. Contestants of all ages participate, demonstrating their skill in producing sounds from the conch shell. This tradition showcases the island’s rich maritime heritage and community spirit. This event is free and open to children and adults of all ages. Conch shells will be available for purchase for those who do not have their own. Begins at noon. 322 Duval Street.
March 6 – 8: Sanibel Shell Fair and Show, Sanibel Island. In celebration of this world-renowned shelling island, the annual Shell Fair features shell displays and crafts, food and entertainment. Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The fair takes place at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa. Free Parking and no tolls! For more information, go to sanibelshellclub.com
March 6 – 9: 97th Annual All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Arcadia. This annual rodeo includes Calf Scramble, Mutton Bustin’, Barrel Racing, Shootout and more. Located at the new Mosaic Arena. 2450 NE Roan Street. Arcadia, 34266. Tickets available online at arcadiarodeo.com/march-rodeo.
March 6 – 9: Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Amelia Island. Car connoisseurs can attend several special events, including the show, cocktail party, sale preview, and a silent auction at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island. For complete information, go to ameliaconcours.com.
March 8: St. Augustine’s St. Patrick’s Parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, at Francis Field. Each year, the parade starts the Celtic Music and Cultural Heritage Festival, always held on the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. For information about all the St. Patrick’s Day activities, go to visitstaugustine.com/article/st-patricks-day-happenings-oldest-city.
March 9: Daylight Saving Time begins. Remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
March 8 – 9: 49th annual Marathon Seafood Festival, Marathon. Celebrate the fishing heritage of the Middle Keys at this event offering lobster, stone crab, conch chowder and fritters, local fish, smoked fish dip, key lime pie and more. Also includes arts and crafts, boat show, nautical market, and live entertainment. At Marathon Community Park. $5 per person, free for children 12 and under.
March 14 – 17: Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Sebring. Sebring International Raceway hosts race fans from around the world to witness the historic 12-hour classic. Gates open on Tuesday and remain open 24 hours a day through Saturday’s title race. Admission prices vary.
March 30: 14th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival, Ybor City. This annual Cuban Sandwich Festival serves up this favorite treat in historic Ybor City. On the agenda are music, dances, more than 150 crafts and cultural exhibitors, and a contest between rivals Miami and Tampa to find the best traditional and non-traditional Cuban sandwiches. Admission is free.
