Dinah Keefe, Walton County Snowbirds Information Officer

When the weather starts to get nippy and the days shorter, Snowbirds from many parts of the Northland make their plans for the great migration south, and already are descending on Walton County. The Walton County Snowbirds organization includes almost 2,000 members (with new ones added every year). This is the first in a series of articles about the group.

Mark your calendars for two registration days: Jan. 2 and 4 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Faith Assembly Hall, located at 306 S. Geronimo St., Miramar Beach. Just $10 per person gets you access to a whole season of fun, friendship, special offers and a chance at door prizes. Dozens of activities (most of them free to members) offer something for everyone, including exercise classes, golf, card games, dance lessons, excursions, biking, basketball, crafts and more. But even better are the new friends you’ll make here in your winter nesting place. Full information can be found at waltoncountysnowbirds.com.

Other upcoming events are:

• General meeting Jan. 10 at Destin United Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive.

• Starts at 10 a.m.

• Entertainment: versatile duo Eclipse featuring Amanda Holmes and Don Kupski.

Meet our Snowbirds

Walton County Snowbirds come from all over. We’ve had members from as far away as Sweden and Ireland. This year we are featuring some of these interesting and diverse people. To meet more — come join us!

Mike and JoAnne Krueger have been visiting from Indiana for nine years. Says Mike: “We love the beautiful surroundings, the sugar beaches and emerald waters. We love the way we are treated, everyone is so friendly, polite and respectful of one another, as well as their environment. We have made many friends who are both snowbirds and locals and refer to them as our Florida family.”

They joined the Walton County Snowbirds four years ago, and quickly got involved as volunteers. Mike has served on the Board of Directors and is Co-President for the 2017-2018 season. He and JoAnne enjoy the group’s bowling and card activities. JoAnne also manages the coffee bar which helps participants and volunteers wake up with coffee and treats at every registration event.

According to Mike, “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, and we like the diversity of where people are from; you get a chance to expand your world through their experiences. Meeting new people through activities is a good way to do this.”

Another way to root deeply into the local scene is to get involved as a volunteer, according to Mike. Currently the Snowbirds have a number of openings, and it’s a fun way to meet new people. For full information, contact Mike or other board members — their contact information is on the waltoncountysnowbirds.com website.