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Events in March 2026

  • March 14, 2026 - Farmers Market on Baldwin and 1 other event

    Category: General
    Farmers Market on Baldwin


    March 14, 2026

    Join us on Baldwin Ave. in downtown DeFuniak Springs every Saturday as our local farmers and vendors line the streets with the freshest produce, mouthwatering proteins, and all the good things like popcorn and candles. There will be various music and activities throughout the Saturdays this year that you won't want to miss.

    Baldwin Avenue, Defuniak Springs
    694 Baldwin Avenue
    Suite 4
    Defuniak Springs, FL 32435

    Category: General
    Tractor Parade on Baldwin


    March 14, 2026

    Join us Saturday, March 14th for the 5th Annual Tractor Parade! At 10 a.m. tractors of all types, colors, sizes and styles will parade through the farmer's market and then do a static display on 7th Street to be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. This event kicks off the new season of Saturday Farmers Market on Baldwin. The Farmers Market starts at 8 a.m.

    Baldwin Avenue, Defuniak Springs
    694 Baldwin Avenue
    Suite 4
    Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
  • March 15, 2026 - Alvarado Benefit Concert

    Category: General
    Alvarado Benefit Concert


    March 15, 2026

    Benefit Concert at A Simple Faith Church 
    Join us Sunday, March 15 at 10 AM for a special benefit concert in place of their regular Sunday service. Enjoy live music from multiple talented musicians and help support our friends Chris, Naomi, and Hayden Alvarado. Come together for a morning of music, community, and generosity!
    For more details, please see A Simple Faith Website Homepage

    A Simple Faith Church
    360 WRM Circle
    Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
  • March 21, 2026 - Farmers Market on Baldwin and 1 other event

    Category: General
    Farmers Market on Baldwin


    March 21, 2026

    Join us on Baldwin Ave. in downtown DeFuniak Springs every Saturday as our local farmers and vendors line the streets with the freshest produce, mouthwatering proteins, and all the good things like popcorn and candles. There will be various music and activities throughout the Saturdays this year that you won't want to miss.

    Baldwin Avenue, Defuniak Springs
    694 Baldwin Avenue
    Suite 4
    Defuniak Springs, FL 32435

    Category: General
    Gazebo Concerts


    March 21, 2026

    FREE Gazebo Concerts resume Saturday, February 21 at 6:00 PM at the Mark Hillyer Pickett Gazebo.

    Enjoy live vocal and instrumental performances by musicians from the University of West Florida. Additional artist details coming soon.Mark Hillyer Pickett Gazebo

    Bring your own chair and settle in for an evening of music under the sky. Concerts take place rain or shine and are only canceled in the event of thunderstorms or temperatures below 50°F.

    2026 Dates:

    • February 21

    • March 21

    • April 18

    • May 16

    Free and open to the public.

  • March 26, 2026 - Made in Walton County Songwriters Showdown

    Category: General
    Made in Walton County Songwriters Showdown


    March 26, 2026

    Join us for an evening of music and competition on for the 'Made in Walton County' Songwriters Showdown, where local songwriters take the stage to share their homegrown songs and compete for cash and prizes! Witness raw talent and heartfelt storytelling as each contestant performs an original song, showcasing their passion and artistry.

    Whether you're a music lover or a supporter of local talent, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Bring friends and arrive early to get your spot to cheer on your favorites, enjoy incredible live music, and be part of a community that celebrates creativity. First, second and third place winners will be announced at the end of the event as well as a People's Choice winner selected by the audience.

    RSVP HERE

    Grab your chair and meet us under the shade for this free, family-friendly event. A food truck on site will offer food and drink for purchase.

     

    The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center
    85 Orgins Main Street
    Watersound , Florida 32461
  • March 27, 2026 - Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo and 1 other event

    Category: General
    Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo


    March 27, 2026

    7th Annual Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo
    Saddle up for two nights of high-energy rodeo action while supporting a meaningful cause. The Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo returns with Builders FirstSource as Presenting Sponsor, helping make a real difference in the lives of individuals with developmental differences.
    March 27–28, 2026
    Freeport Regional Sports Complex
    Gates Open: 6:00 PM
    Rodeo Begins: 7:30 PM
    More details and sponsor announcements coming soon — stay tuned!

    Please follow the WestonWood Social Channels: Facebook & Instagram

    Freeport Regional Sport Complex
    563 Hammock Trail East
    Freeport, Florida 32439
  • March 28, 2026 - Farmers Market on Baldwin and 3 other events

    Category: General
    Farmers Market on Baldwin


    March 28, 2026

    Join us on Baldwin Ave. in downtown DeFuniak Springs every Saturday as our local farmers and vendors line the streets with the freshest produce, mouthwatering proteins, and all the good things like popcorn and candles. There will be various music and activities throughout the Saturdays this year that you won't want to miss.

    Baldwin Avenue, Defuniak Springs
    694 Baldwin Avenue
    Suite 4
    Defuniak Springs, FL 32435

    Category: General
    Under the Moonlit Pines @ Biophilia Center


    March 28, 2026

    The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is pleased to announce Under the Moonlit  Pines, its signature gala celebrating environmental education, biodiversity, and the natural beauty of Northwest Florida. 

    The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event  will take place at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center.

    Set against the serene backdrop of towering pines and the natural beauty of the Center’s grounds,  Under the Moonlit Pines will bring together community members, supporters, and guests for an  evening of celebration, connection, and appreciation for nature. This special event is designed to highlight the mission of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center while offering attendees a memorable  and immersive experience in a unique outdoor setting. 

    Guests will enjoy live music from the Panama City Youth Orchestra, delicious catering, an  exciting auction featuring unique items, and opportunities to connect in support of the Center's  mission. All proceeds benefit the Center's hands-on environmental education programs, which  serve over 6,500 youth annually from 56 underserved public schools across Northwest Florida.  Through field trips, overnight immersions, summer camps, family science events, and more, we  foster biophilia, the innate human affinity for nature, and inspire lifelong stewardship of  ecosystems like the longleaf pine habitat. 

    Under the Moonlit Pines promises to be a distinctive and meaningful occasion, celebrating both  the beauty of Northwest Florida’s natural landscape and the community that supports its  preservation. Tickets are $125 each or $880 for a table of 8 guests. Early bird discount is $110  each or $860 per table. Limited space available. 

    Additional details regarding the gala will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit eowilsoncenter.org or contact information@eowilsoncenter.org or 850-835-1824.

    E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center
    4956 State Highway 20 E
    Freeport, Florida 32439

    Category: General
    Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo


    March 28, 2026

    7th Annual Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo
    Saddle up for two nights of high-energy rodeo action while supporting a meaningful cause. The Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo returns with Builders FirstSource as Presenting Sponsor, helping make a real difference in the lives of individuals with developmental differences.
    March 27–28, 2026
    Freeport Regional Sports Complex
    Gates Open: 6:00 PM
    Rodeo Begins: 7:30 PM
    More details and sponsor announcements coming soon — stay tuned!

    Please follow the WestonWood Social Channels: Facebook & Instagram

    Freeport Regional Sport Complex
    563 Hammock Trail East
    Freeport, Florida 32439
Where the Circle Widens

Where the Circle Widens

There are places where history doesn’t sit behind glass. It walks the sidewalk at dusk. It waits on shaded porches. It gathers—still—when given the right invitation.
Lake DeFuniak has always been one of those places.
Nearly perfectly round and improbably calm, the lake has long served as both compass and common ground for DeFuniak Springs. In the late nineteenth century, it drew educators, thinkers, musicians and families from across the country for the Florida Chautauqua—an ambitious experiment in lifelong learning that once placed this small Panhandle town at the center of a national cultural movement.

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Hard Hats & High Heels

Hard Hats & High Heels

On Friday, February 13, 2026, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will host women from across the county who are ready to do more than raise money. They’re ready to build. The luncheon kicks off Habitat’s 2026 Women Build Workshops, a series of build days that prove when women lead, communities gain.

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Seaside Prize 2026

Seaside Prize 2026

The SEASIDE Institute™ has announced the recipients of the 2026 SEASIDE Prize™, a recognition reserved for those whose work has shaped the fields of architecture, urban planning, and community development. The prize is awarded annually to individuals whose contributions have a lasting impact on how places are built and experienced.

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Henry Park Reopens in DeFuniak Springs

Henry Park Reopens in DeFuniak Springs

In the heart of DeFuniak Springs, where arrivals once stepped from the train and into a season of music and welcome, Henry Park is opening a new chapter. Long a gathering place for travelers, townspeople, and musicians alike, the historic park now stands renewed—its restoration honoring both the community that shaped it and the future it continues to invite.

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Connect with 30A Songwriters Festival Producers, Jennifer Steele and Russell Carter

Connect with 30A Songwriters Festival Producers, Jennifer Steele and Russell Carter

Every Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend since 2010, the 30A Songwriters Festival has turned South Walton’s quiet winter season into a destination built around music, storytelling, and community. On this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, host Kerri Parker sits down with festival producers Jennifer Steele and Russell Carter to reflect on 17 years of a songwriter-focused festival that has become a cultural and economic cornerstone for Walton County.

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Why DeFuniak Springs in Walton County is Considered the Christmas Town of the Region

Why DeFuniak Springs in Walton County is Considered the Christmas Town of the Region

When the holiday season arrives, DeFuniak Springs comes alive like nowhere else in Northwest Florida. Its historic downtown, spring-fed lake, and Victorian architecture become the backdrop for a twinkling winter wonderland that draws families, friends, and travelers from across the region. But don’t just take our word for it—locals who have loved this town for years share why Christmas here feels truly magical. From horse-drawn carriage rides to festive markets and dazzling light displays, their voices guide you through the ultimate roadmap to holiday cheer in Walton County.

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Christmas Reflections

Christmas Reflections

There’s a moment — just as the sun slips behind historic buildings and mature trees — when Lake DeFuniak becomes a mirror. The century-old homes that curve around its shore soften into silhouette, and then suddenly, with the flick of a switch, Christmas Reflections comes to life. Millions of twinkling lights ripple across the water of one of only two nearly perfect spring-fed lakes in the world.

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Generations of Veterans

Generations of Veterans

Veterans Day is a time to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces across generations. From the battlefields of World War II to the jungles of Vietnam, the deserts of the Middle East, and the more recent deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, each era of service holds unique stories of resilience, dedication, and sacrifice.

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Where the Water Welcomes Everyone

Where the Water Welcomes Everyone

There’s something about the way sunlight drapes itself across the still waters of Twin Lakes Camp Resort—a kind of quiet invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and remember what it means to belong outdoors. On Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., everyone is invited to gather at this lakeside gem for a day that captures everything good about small-town generosity and Southern tradition.

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Freeport Night Out Is Back—and We Can’t Wait

Freeport Night Out Is Back—and We Can’t Wait

There’s a little magic that happens when a town decides to throw open its doors and celebrate itself—and Freeport Night Out has that magic in spades. Last year, the green hummed with laughter, music, and the unmistakable feeling that something special was happening. This year, the Freeport Merchants Association is teaming up again with The Windmills at Hammock Bay and Props Brewery to make sure November 1 is a night to remember.

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11th Annual Eggs on the Beach Cooking Competition

11th Annual Eggs on the Beach Cooking Competition

Taster tickets are on sale now for the 11th Annual Eggs on the Beach Big Green Egg Cooking Competition to be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Seascape Towne Centre in Miramar Beach. Tasters will enjoy unlimited bites, and receive five votes
to vote for their favorites and award the 2025 People’s Choice Awards. Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, more than 20 cook teams will be serving delectable bites cooked on the Big Green Egg while raising funds for local nonprofits, including Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food For Thought.

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A New Rhythm in South Walton: The First Annual SOWAL Jazz Fest

A New Rhythm in South Walton: The First Annual SOWAL Jazz Fest

This November, the Gulf breeze will carry more than the scent of salt and pine. It will carry music—smooth, stirring, and alive. From November 6 through 8, 2025, South Walton will host the first annual SOWAL Jazz Fest, a three-night celebration of artistry and connection that promises to redefine what cultural experiences can look like along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A.

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DeFuniak Springs Woman’s Club Celebrates 21st Annual Circle Drive Halloween Tradition

DeFuniak Springs Woman’s Club Celebrates 21st Annual Circle Drive Halloween Tradition

The DeFuniak Springs Woman’s Club is proud to announce the 21st Annual Circle Drive Halloween Celebration, a cherished community tradition that brings joy, safety, and festive spirit to families throughout Walton County. Each year, approximately 2,000 children gather at the historic Lake Yard to trick-or-treat in a welcoming and secure environment—and 2025 promises to be no different.

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Anchors Away: Freeport Sets Sail on a New Wave of Public Art

Anchors Away: Freeport Sets Sail on a New Wave of Public Art

On Thursday, September 18, the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) will host Anchors Away, a free preview party at Shipyard Marina (116 Shipyard Rd.) from 6 to 9 p.m. The family-friendly evening will unveil the first round of artist-decorated, 4.5-foot concrete anchors—a striking new addition to Freeport’s landscape through the Anchored in Freeport project.

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Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland Jr.- This fall, Wonderland is coming to Emerald Coast Theatre Company. Our students will tell the classic story of Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole through singing, dancing, and artistic expression. We have multiple age groups producing this show from grades K-12. Join us at ECTC on Grand Blvd or our satellite locations in DeFuniak Springs and Freeport. No matter the age, this production offers much to teach about theatrical performance, and the large ensemble cast allows every student the opportunity to shine!

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Grit & Grace

Grit & Grace

The 2025 Production of Grit & Grace: “The Paths We Take” Mark your calendars for one of Walton County’s most beloved traditions — the 2025 production of Grit & Grace, a powerful folk-life performance celebrating the people, places, and stories that shaped our...

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Events in Walton County, FL June & July 2025

Events in Walton County, FL June & July 2025

Want to know the top things to do in Walton County this week? Check out the HWY 331 Roadmap to Fun! While we love it all, this edition highlights events we think will really resonate with locals and visitors alike—from a stylish fashion show to freedom-focused celebrations; We’ve mapped out the fun for you—now you just have to show up! All the details are live now on our Events Calendar.

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LakeFest 2025

LakeFest 2025

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a picture-perfect lake meets small-town charm and a whole lotta fun… welcome to LakeFest 2025. This May 23rd and 24th, grab your crew, your paddleboard, your sense of adventure, and meet us at Chipley Park on Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs, right on the edge of one of the world’s only perfectly round spring-fed lakes.

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DeFuniak Springs Woman’s Club

DeFuniak Springs Woman’s Club

There’s something quietly powerful happening in DeFuniak Springs — and if you blink, you might miss it. But those who know, know: when the women of this town join forces, the ripple effects touch every corner of the community.
That’s why the third annual Fashion Show hosted by the Woman’s Club of DeFuniak Springs is more than just a fun afternoon at Café Nola — it’s a celebration of style, strength, and sisterhood.

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Underwater Museum of Art

Underwater Museum of Art

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 6 – 9 p.m. for Dine + Dive, an evening that will tantalize all the senses while supporting the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art. This elevated fine art, food, and wine event brings together the best of South Walton’s culinary scene with tasting stations from beloved local restaurants, carefully curated wine pairings, and a silent auction featuring incredible art pieces.

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Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets

In the heart of every small town, there is a place where life unfolds in its simplest, most essential form. A place where early risers set up their tents, where the scent of fresh herbs mingles with the warm spice of homemade candles, and where the sound of friendly conversation is as much a part of the morning as the sun cresting the horizon. The farmers market is more than just a place to buy vegetables and fresh bread—it is a gathering space, an incubator for businesses, and a driving force of local economic vitality.

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Connect with Diane Pickett

Connect with Diane Pickett

Some say the South is all sweet tea and front porch stories, but if you’ve read F. Diane Pickett’s work, you know better. Her novels don’t just whisper Southern history—they grab you by the collar and drag you through the grit, grace, and downright fight of strong-willed women who refuse to be tamed. Today, we sit down with the legendary storyteller, preservationist, and force of nature herself—Diane Pickett. Diane is a woman who doesn’t just tell history—she shapes it.

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Stinky’s Pompano Tournament

Stinky’s Pompano Tournament

Get ready to cast your lines and raise a glass—Stinky’s Fish Camp is bringing back the biggest fishing showdown in Walton County! The 15th Annual Stinky’s Pompano Tournament kicks off with an epic celebration on March 29, 2025, at Stinky’s Bait Shack, setting the stage for five weeks of friendly competition from March 30 to May 4, 2025.

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Florida Chautauqua Assembly

Florida Chautauqua Assembly

Imagine living in a time when you wanted to learn more about the world, but had limited means to do so. It’s difficult for many people to picture a time when information about any topic wasn’t available at our local library or online. “We’re so used to having easy access today, so it’s hard to explain,” says Dean DeBolt, retired archivist for the University of West Florida.

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Seaside Race

Seaside Race

The cool, crisp mornings in Walton County always seem to whisper adventure, and for many locals and visitors, February brings the ultimate challenge: running the Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K Race, part of the area’s oldest and most beloved race weekend.

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DwightFest

DwightFest

Mark your calendars, music lovers—December 7-8, 2024, is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend in Walton County. The Inaugural DwightFest is coming to the Gulf Place Green Space and Amphitheater in Santa Rosa Beach, and this isn’t just any music festival. It’s a celebration of art, community, and the power of music to bring people together for a cause.

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The Walton County Fair

The Walton County Fair

In a world where the hustle of modern life often pulls us away from our roots, there’s something truly magical about the Walton County Fair. Since 1924, this annual event has been more than just a fair; it’s a living testament to our region’s rich agricultural heritage and a celebration of the vibrant community spirit that defines DeFuniak Springs.

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Celebrate Music, Animals, and Community at the Bluegrass Barn Jam

Celebrate Music, Animals, and Community at the Bluegrass Barn Jam

For music lovers and animal advocates alike, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday than at Alaqua Animal Refuge’s Bluegrass Barn Jam! This special event, set for Saturday, September 21st, promises to bring the Walton County community together for a day filled with live music, family fun, and a deeper cause—supporting the heart of Alaqua’s mission: rescuing and caring for animals.

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Tunnel Art

Tunnel Art

The recently opened underpass at Inlet Beach is a welcome safe passage across a busy intersection. But it’s also a delightful journey through a tunnel of painted swirls and colors, dazzling shapes and designs, each unique in their beauty. The art component, in the form of murals, was commissioned by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA). The murals were painted by local and tri-county (Walton, Okaloosa and Bay) area artists.

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Dog-Friendly Dining and Drinks in Walton County, FL

Dog-Friendly Dining and Drinks in Walton County, FL

Walton County, FL, is a paradise for dog lovers who don’t want to leave their furry friends behind when dining out or grabbing a drink. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, creative tacos, or a cold craft beer, these dog-friendly spots are ready to welcome you and your pup. Here’s where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with your dog by your side.

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Grit & Grace: Opening Night Success

Grit & Grace: Opening Night Success

In the heart of our community, a beacon of theatrical brilliance continues to shine brightly as “Grit and Grace” enters its 22nd season. This beloved local performance has become more than just a staple of entertainment; it is a cherished tradition that bridges the gap between generations, weaving together the past and present through the power of storytelling.

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Finding the Spark in Each Person

Finding the Spark in Each Person

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) want the same things all people want — to have purpose, to be loved and understood, and to be able to help contribute to society. As a group, they are underemployed and underestimated. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an estimated 85% of adults with autism are excluded from the workforce.

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Shaping Futures, One Student at a Time

Shaping Futures, One Student at a Time

As The Seaside School continues to make strides in education, it opens its doors for enrollment from January 5th to February 15th. Prospective students and their families are invited to join a community where innovation, excellence, and a commitment to the whole child have been the driving forces for over two decades.

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Connect with Diane Pickett

Episode 5: Connecting Walton County Music Scene

Partners in Southern Sound Music Alliance, Jennifer Sundal and Naomi Alvarado help us to make a connection to the Walton County music scene. We talk about 30A Songwriters Festival, choosing venues and performances, a micro-festival happening simultaneously called Stinky’s Swamp Writers and how live music can bring energy, add economic, cultural and social significance for our community.

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