Week-Long Event Kicks Off Blue Angels

Jacksonville created the Week of Valor to highlight the Sea and Sky Spectacular from Nov. 6-8 and the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11. The week starts off on Nov. 4 with the First Wenesday Art Walk featuring the Sound of Freedom Navy Band.

First Wednesday Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour of Downtown Jacksonville's galleries and museums, as well as cultural venues, restaurants and businesses. Held each month from 5-9 p.m. - rain or shine - the Art Walk spans a 15-block radius within the Downtown core and is the ultimate opportunity to savor Jacksonville's deep pool of creative talent. Some venues close at 8 p.m. Some stay open late.

Street parking is FREE after 6 p.m. and the Downtown Garage on the corner of Adams and Clay offers free parking Art Walk night.

Nov. 5 is Make A Scene Downtown movie, featuring a military-themed movie to be shown on the side of the CSX building at Northbank Riverfront Park at 7:30 p.m. This is free and open to the public. Bring your picnic baskets, folding chairs and blankets.

Nov. 6 is the Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular practice day in Jacksonville Beach. It is open to high school ROTC groups. The air show practice will take place between 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with Blue Angels practicing at 2:15 p.m. Following the practice is a Sea and Sky Spectacular Pre-Flight Party at the SeaWalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach from 6-10 p.m. Take advantage of the opportunity to get an autograph from your favorite performer. You can meet and mingle with the Sea and Sky Spectacular military and civilian performers and crews.

There will also live entertainment by Last 2 Leave and bring your picnic baskets, folding chairs and blankets to enjoy the feature presentation of The Longest Day.

USS Klakring will be moored at the Northbank Riverfront and available for tours throughout the weekend's events.

On Nov. 7-8, join thousands spectators downtown Jacksonville Beach to watch the Sea & Sky Spectacular from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The event highlights the Blue Angels and features military and civilian air acts in an over-the-ocean sky show. The event begins with an American Flag fly over and the National Anthem.

There will be VIP seating areas at First Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues North. It includes premier seating, Cabana Seating and Corporate Cabanas.

Along with the air show, there will be recruitment booths provided by Navy Recruitment Office with representatives from the Navy, Army,Air Force, Marines, U.S. Coast Guard, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. There will also be a kids area open.

Downtown, USS Klakring will conduct tours and the Riverside Arts Market will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday with the Make A Scene Downtown Movie Top Gun.

On Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars vs Kansas City Chiefs will feature special military components, including a flyover by an HSL squadron. Rounding up the week, USS Klakring will be joined by USCGC Maria Bray at the Northbank Riverfront on Nov. 10. The Coast Guard Cutter will be available for free guided ship tours from 11 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m., the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce 7th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon and the Make A Scene Downtown move will be Night at the Museum 2 starting at 7:30 p.m. at Northbank Riverfront Park.

The Veterans Day Parade will be held on Nov. 11 at 11:01 a.m. starting along Water Street from the Prime Osborn Convention Center to the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.