Ready for the weekend? Check out these fun events in Volusia-Flagler
In February, attention in Volusia and Flagler counties turns toward NASCAR, Black History Month and Mardi Gras, each represented among this weekend’s best bets for entertainment.
Here’s what’s on tap:
Racing legends take to the sand in Ponce Inlet
It won’t be long until NASCAR’s top drivers take to the track for the 66th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway.
Tickets are officially sold-out for that iconic race, but you can still see vintage race cars take to the sands this weekend in a beloved old-school nod to racing’s formative history in Volusia County.
More than 70 vintage race cars are expected to compete in the 12th Historic North Turn Legends Beach-Road Course Parade at noon Saturday in Ponce Inlet.
Ahead of the parade, all the cars will be showcased for viewing at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot at the Racing’s North Turn Restaurant, 4511 S. Atlantic Ave. in Ponce Inlet.
After the procession along the beach, there will be an autograph and interview session in the restaurant following. Former beach drivers Brownie King, Dink Widenhouse and Johnny Allen will be the parade’s grand marshals, with veteran crew chief and Fox television racing announcer Jeff Hammond serving as master of ceremonies.
Free shuttle service will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. from Toronita Park, Winter Haven Park, Ponce Inlet Community Center and the Jerry's Pizzeria parking lot. Free admission. Visit daytonabeach.com or call 386-322-3258 for details.
Go to the dogs in DeLand
You can go to the dogs in New Orleans style on Saturday, when the popular Mardi Gras Dog Parade & Festival returns for its annual costumed canine sashay along Woodland Boulevard in downtown DeLand.
The Krewe of Amalee, a local women's nonprofit, has put on the popular event for nearly three decades and raised more than $550,000 for organizations that help animals, children and families, and the arts.
The theme for this year’s march is “Canine Royale,” a nod to the iconic James Bond character and the array of movies created around him. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday on a route that travels along Woodland Boulevard from Michigan to Howry avenues.
That’s only part of a daylong festival that also includes canine costume judging from 8-10 a.m. and a dog-friendly festival with vendors, entertainment and food trucks along Georgia Avenue after the parade at 12:30 p.m.
Free admission for spectators. Visit delanddogparade.com for more information.
Voodoo music fest in New Smyrna Beach
Also in the Mardi Gras realm, a lineup of 40 musical acts will provide the soundtrack for the 8th Annual Voodoo Music Festival that opens Thursday for a six-night run in the bustling Flagler Avenue business district in New Smyrna Beach.
Although specific lineup information isn’t yet posted, expect a festive mix of pop, rock, hip-hop and country sounds, along with at least some New Orleans flavor added for the occasion.
Free admission. Visit flaglerave.com for details.
Celebrate Black History Month in Oak Hill
In Southeast Volusia, a Black History Month celebration is slated for Saturday at the Oak Hill Community Garden, 126 Flamingo Road in Oak Hill.
Presented by the city, the Oak Hill Community Trust and Bibleway Church of God in Christ, the event will feature recognition of community members, musical performances and guest speakers, as well as a silent auction, trivia contests, a DJ, Frisbee golf, children’s face-painting, an interactive mural and barbecue meals.
Hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Visit oakhillcommunitygarden.com for details.
In Flagler, Gamble Jam welcomes pickers
Singers, guitarists, fiddlers and banjo-pickers are welcome to add their musical touches to the twice-monthly Gamble Jam at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, 3100 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach.
The jam is a family-friendly event that occurs every second and fourth Saturday of the month to honor the memory of James Gamble Rogers IV, the famous Florida folk musician who lost his life in 1991 while trying to rescue a swimmer in rough surf in the Atlantic Ocean.
Hours are 2-4 p.m. Saturday. The jam is included in the park’s admission of $5 per vehicle.
Visit floridastateparks.org for details.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Weekend events in Volusia-Flagler include annual costumed dog parade
