Gulf Breeze Art Teacher, Susan Pond with Student Artist, Violet.
CALL TO STUDENT ARTISTS! The creative talents of Santa Rosa County’s youth will take center stage at the 4‑H “Shape of Water” Art Show, debuting Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds during the Inaugural Bahia Grass Invitational Lawnmower Racing & Fat Boy Fish Fry Contest.
The exhibit is sponsored by United Bank and challenges students to explore the condition of local waterways and the life they sustain through art. A special feature will highlight the Bluenose Shiner, a small but vital indicator species for water health, as requested by FWC fisheries research staff.
Students interested in participating can drop off their artwork by Monday, September 28, at the Santa Rosa County Extension Office, 6263 Dogwood Drive in Milton. For details, email Prudence Caskey at PrudenceC@santarosa.fl.gov.
🏁 Community Fun: Lawnmower Racing & Fat Boy Fish Fry Contest
While art takes the spotlight, the fairgrounds will also rumble to life with the first‑ever Bahia Grass Invitational Lawnmower Racing & Fat Boy Fish Fry Contest — a day packed with family fun, food, and community spirit.
Spectators can cheer on racers competing in high‑speed lawnmower heats from 9–11 a.m., then again from 2 p.m. until dark, while enjoying fried fish dinners available for purchase. Nasgrass rules apply.
Hosted by the Santa Rosa County Fair Association, the events highlight its mission to promote agriculture education through special events. The Fair Association has partnered with the Santa Rosa County Extension Service, which provides horticulture training and water‑quality education for local residents.
Beyond the racing thrills, experts will share insights on best lawn care practices and how everyday yard maintenance affects surface water quality and fisheries.
Proceeds will benefit the Milton Rotary Club, Santa Rosa Kids House, and the Santa Rosa County Fair Association.
“A lawnmower racing event near the end of grass‑growing season coupled with a fried mullet contest should bring our community together for clean family fun and provide a forum for sharing best practices in lawn care and surface water quality,” said Prudence Caskey, 4‑H agent and Fair Association board member. “We can have great landscaping and improve water quality supporting our mullet and oyster populations.”
The Fat Boy Fish Fry Contest, featuring invited local chefs, will be officiated by the Santa Rosa County Sea Grant agent and the Pensacola Perdido Bay Estuary Program. Fish plates will be sold from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📅 Event Details
- WHO Santa Rosa County Fair Association with Community Partners
- WHAT Inaugural Bahia Grass Invitational Lawnmower Races & Fat Boy Fish Fry
- WHEN 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, October 3, 2026
- WHERE Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds, 8700 Randy Brown Road, East Milton (I‑10 Exit 31)
- ADMISSION $20 per vehicle
- MORE INFO 850‑861‑2715 or visit BAHIA GRASS INVITATIONAL LAWNMOWER RACING & FAT BOY FISH FRY
