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.
BOY SCOUTS PINEWOOD DERBY AUTO SHOW: 8 a.m. March 24, Air Armament Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Eglin Air Force Base. Forty-two classes, including Boy Scout’s Choice, Cub Scout’s Choice, Best Paint, Best Interior and Best Engine. Registration is 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and judging starts at noon. Cost is $20 before March 17 or $25 afterward. Premium parking at the event costs $30. See https://gulfcoastcouncil.doubleknot.com/registration/register.aspx# to register. DJ Dan of B Boy Productions will provide music, and Scout vendors will sell concessions. Visit the Pinewood Auto Show Facebook page for more information.
BOY SCOUTS' SCOUT-O-RAMA: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 7 at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, 139 Brooks St. The free, family-friendly event includes games, demonstrations, crafts and community booths. Scouts will demonstrate scouting skills, games and activties and crafts. Public safety and community organizations will provide activities at the event; among them will be Okaloosa Emergency Medical Services and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
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.
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