CRESTVIEW — Upcoming North Okaloosa County events and surrounding area activities are as follows.
ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY: 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 19, Twin Hills Park, 100 Hathaway St., Crestview. The Florida Forest Service, Yellow River Soil and Water Conservation District, and the University of Florida Extension Master Gardeners will give away a variety of tree species in one-gallon pots. Includes a presentation on proper planting and care for newly planted trees. Species in the giveaway include Dahoon Holly, Shumard Oak, pecan, sparkleberry and river birch.
MARDI GRAS PARADE AND STREET FESTIVAL: 11 a.m. Jan. 20, Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs. Krewe de Yak's fifth annual event includes a street fair, family-friendly entertainment, a car show, parade and after-party. Contact Samantha Graves, 419-5977 or krewedeyak@gmail.com, for details. See complete schedule at www.krewedeyak.org.
HOME SCHOOL TOUR AT MUSEUM: "Historic Technology," Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s quarterly field trip for home-school students and their families, is set Feb. 16, 1-2:30 p.m. at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Students will learn how technology has evolved through the years, what a simple machine is, and how machines are used to push and pull, making work and other tasks easier for humans. To reinforce the lesson, students will make and demonstrate catapults. Cost is $8 per student (or $6 for Museum Family Members). One parent/teacher per family is admitted free; $3 cost per each additional adult. Children 4 and under get in free; cost for each is $3 to participate in a hands-on activity. Pre-registration is required. Details: 678-2615.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
BLACKMAN FIRE DISTRICT BOARD: 7 p.m. first Mondays, 1850 U.S. Highway 2, Baker.
CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
CRESTVIEW HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD: 5:15 p.m. third Mondays, 371 Hickory Ave. W, Crestview. Open to the public.
CRESTVIEW CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, City Hall, 198 N. Wilson St., Crestview.
MILLIGAN WATER SYSTEM BOARD: 6 p.m. second Tuesdays, 5340 U.S. Highway 4.
BAKER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays in the Baker Area Public Safety Building, 1375 19th St.
REP. JAYER WILLIAMSON OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Thursdays, Okaloosa County Extension office, 3098 Airport Road, Crestview. Call 995-3698 for an appointment.
LAUREL HILL CITY COUNCIL: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, City Hall.
DORCAS FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 6 p.m. first Thursdays, 5232 Deer Springs Drive, Crestview, off Highway 90.
HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90, Holt.
ALMARANTE VOLUNTEER FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS: 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Almarante Fire Station, 3710 Old California Road, Laurel Hill.
OKALOOSA-WALTON NORTH OKALOOSA FIRE DISTRICT: 6 p.m. third Thursdays, fire station 82, 5549 John Givens Road, Crestview.
HOLT FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSION: 6:30 p.m. third Thursdays, 490 W. U.S. Highway 90.
HOLT FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, fire station.
LAUREL HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT: 7 p.m., second Fridays, in Laurel Hill City Hall's fire department office.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENTS: for chamber members and their employees. Details: 682-3212 or info@crestviewchamber.com. http://www.crestviewchamber.com.
AMBASSADORS 'LET'S DO LUNCH': 11:30 a.m. Jan. 16, David's Catfish House, 1296 Ferdon Blvd. N., Crestview. Network, socialize and enjoy lunch in an informal, no-pressure setting. Invite a new member, a friend, a co-worker, or someone who is thinking about joining the chamber to have lunch with you. RSVP to ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com.
RIBBON CUTTING: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Children in Crisis, 969 Davie's Way, Fort Walton Beach (located at The Children's Neighborhood). Celebrates the opening of the Kay's Cupboard Food Pantry. Call 864-4242 to RSVP by Jan. 15.
PILOT COMMITTEE: 3 p.m. Jan. 19, Wendy's in north Crestview, at the intersection of State Road 85 and Airport Road. For Crestview leaders ages 21-41.
AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE: 8:30 a.m. Jan. 31, Crestview Area Chamber office, 1447 Commerce Drive. Contact Amber Ellis or Karen Donaldson at ambassadors@crestviewchamber.com for details.
CHAMBER SPONSORSHIPS: People or companies interested in sponsoring a chamber breakfast or Business After Hours event in 2018 may contact the chamber. There are still a few spots available. Email info@crestviewchamber.com or call 682-3212.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: What's happening in North Okaloosa County