Assembly includes free outdoor exhibits around the Lakeyard on Circle Drive
The Florida Chautauqua Assembly, a cherished annual tradition, is set to return for its 2024 Assembly from March 14-17, 2024, in historic DeFuniak Springs.
This year’s assembly theme is “A Journey into Florida Pioneers: 200 Years in the Panhandle,” Each year, the assembly aims to be a celebration of art, education, religion and recreation – its four main pillars. This year’s assembly promises to be a memorable event for all attendees.
History:
The Florida Chautauqua Assembly has a rich history of bringing enlightenment and entertainment to our community. The assembly is legacy to the original Chautauqua Movement that began in the late 19th century, aiming to provide intellectual and cultural stimulation to people across the nation. Over the years, the Florida Chautauqua Assembly has continued to uphold this tradition, offering a diverse range of programs and activities that celebrate our shared cultural heritage. The Chautauqua Assembly brings entertainment and culture for the community with speakers, teachers, musicians, living historians, preachers, and specialists through its four pillars.
The Florida Chautauqua Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1993 (as the Florida Chautauqua Center, Inc.) to revive the historic Florida Chautauqua Assemblies held in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, from 1885 to 1927. This organization started doing business as Florida Chautauqua Association, Inc. in 2013 to reflect the name of the organization which orchestrated the original assemblies.
Dates and Location:
The 2024 Florida Chautauqua Assembly will take place from March 14-17 around Lake DeFuniak. This picturesque town provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend of enlightening experiences and enjoyable entertainment.
What to Expect:
Attendees of the 2024 Florida Chautauqua Assembly can look forward to living history encounters with three of history’s most remarkable women that all have ties to Florida; Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Enjoy thought-provoking discussions led by renowned speakers on a variety of topics. Hear from local history experts such as Brenda Rees, Sam Carnley, and Bruce Cosson. Our distinguished closing keynote is FL Superintendent of the Year, Russell Hughes. There will be authentic pioneer style farm to table suppers handmade from scratch with love by the local women of the Sisters in Spirit (SIS) group. Dirty Hands Farm is sponsoring these suppers providing heritage Spanish Cattle going back generations to the very first settlers.
There will be a tavern serving adult beverages and offering entertainment and games nightly from 6 – 10pm. There will be performances by local musicians such as the Walton County Community Band, the Walton High School Band, Jessica Comeau, Kimberly Miller, and Neal Dalton Kelly to name a few. Entertainment by the counties renowned Grit & Grace thespian group keeping oral history telling alive.
In addition to what has been listed, entertainment, recreation, outdoor exhibits, food trucks, and more will be on the docket during this weekend. Most activities around the lake yard are free.
The 2024 Program Chair, Dr. Renee Carnley, when asked about the event said, “The Chautauqua Movement put DeFuniak Springs on the map. Since it’s a vital part of our history the county’s bicentennial is a perfect opportunity for the Assembly together with our community to celebrate the pioneers who kindled the flame of exploring important historical, religious, social, and political issues of their time. Our hope for this year’s assembly is to ignite a spark that motivates each attendee to explore these same issues today while having some fun.”
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the 2024 Florida Chautauqua Assembly will be available for purchase at FloridaChautauquaAssembly.org
Join in for a Journey into Florida Pioneers:
This year, the Assembly has a lot to celebrate: 150 years since the Chautauqua movement started in New York, 200 years since Walton County was founded, and 100 years since the inception of both the Walton County Fair and the Eagle Springs Golf and Recreation Center.
The 2024 Florida Chautauqua Assembly promises to be an enlightening gathering that celebrates two centuries of arts, education, recreation and religion. We invite everyone in the community to join us for this exceptional event and experience the charm of Chautauqua.
For more information, please visit FloridaChautauquaAssembly.org. or call 850-401-8192