The Florida Times-Union – The Parc Group/Nocatee

To commemorate the grand opening of its new Community Park, Nocatee is extending to the public an open invitation to celebrate Independence Day early in Ponte Vedra. From noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, “Groovin’ in the Park” will mark the official introduction of Nocatee’s newest lifestyle amenity.

Planned for lots of fun and festivities, the free outdoor event will take place within the Nocatee Community Park, featuring an exciting line-up of great musical and canine performances, delicious food, exciting activities for the kids and much more. Guests are invited to bring a blanket or beach chair for a relaxing day of family-friendly entertainment.

“We are very pleased with the interest shown for our event program by many popular artists and performers,” said Rick Ray, partner in The PARC Group, Inc. “We are excited to provide this great open-air venue where residents and guests can come together and participate in making the launch of the Nocatee Community Park a day to remember.”

“Groovin’ in the Park” will feature musical performances by such favorites as Almost Famous, Chroma, The Bush Doctors and The Mike Shackelford Band. The United States Navy Band SE Ensemble will perform a musical finale.

Also a pet-friendly event, “Groovin’ in the Park” will feature two show performances by the World Famous Disc-Connected K-9’s Frisbee Dog Team. This internationally acclaimed, professional Frisbee dog touring show has performed all over the world for a wide variety of audiences, including: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Animal Planet, Good Morning America, ESPN, NFL, NBA, festivals, animal fundraisers, fairs and many other programs and special events.

Pet lovers will not want to miss this fascinating, high-flying display of choreographed canine athleticism set to music. Making his Nocatee performance debut is “Harley Davidson,” the 2008 AWI World Disc Dog Champion. At present, six of the Disc-Connected K-9’s are World Frisbee Dog Championship Finalists – more than any other team in the history of the sport.

Currently, the World Famous Disc-Connected K-9’s Frisbee Dog Team is being featured in the “Pet Tales” section of The Discovery Channel’s “Animal Attractions.”

“All are welcome to join us for this special day of fun,” said Portland Swan, marketing director for The PARC Group, Inc. “We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the new Nocatee Community Park, dance to live music, see unique entertainment and help to promote positive community involvement. This event definitely should put a smile on your face.”

Ideally located on the border of Duval and St. Johns counties, the coastal Town of Nocatee has emerged as Ponte Vedra’s most impressive mixed-use concept. Its resort-style amenities, such as the Nocatee Community Park, provide the perfect backdrop for its growing calendar of events. “Groovin’ in the Park” is just one more social example of Nocatee’s well balanced live-work-play development model.

Nocatee’s Community Park is scheduled for a phased opening beginning this summer through early 2010. The recreational facility includes a resort-style Water Park, a comprehensive Community Center, health-and-fitness center, sports fields, a spacious dog park, central outdoor event lawn and more.

“We envisioned Nocatee as an unparalleled local setting for all things fun and communal,” said Swan. “Nocatee is the perfect place to enjoy diverse indoor/outdoor recreation and carefully planned special events. We take pride in offering engaging activities for everyone, no matter your stage in life.”

Special events provide many great opportunities for Nocatee residents and surrounding neighbors to take in all that the master-planned community has to offer. As host of some of the area’s most popular venues such as car shows, Easter egg hunts and competitive foot races, recreation is at the forefront of the Nocatee lifestyle.

In addition to “Groovin’ in the Park,” the Town of Nocatee will offer many other exciting events, including the 6th Annual Jacksonville Cycling Classic. Nocatee’s streetscapes will again serve as terrain for Northeast Florida’s premier bicycle race. The event, which drew more than 1,000 competitors over two days in 2008, is a part of the Florida Points Series and includes professional and amateur race categories for men and women, as well as a kid’s race.

Beginning October 30, Nocatee will be the venue for a movie series of “Friday Night Flicks.” Also scheduled this fall are the Canine Costume Contest (date pending) and the ever-popular Farmers Market. On December 19, this monthly event is sure to draw an even larger crowd than usual when transformed into Nocatee’s annual Christmas Festival, featuring the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Just minutes to downtown Jacksonville, historic St. Augustine and the beaches, Nocatee residents can engage in plenty of nearby recreation, including: sunbathing at any of the area beaches, fine and casual dining; play on Ponte Vedra's championship golf courses, spa services, concert halls and live music venues, art walks and galleries, sporting events and much more.

For the savvy home shopper, the Town of Nocatee features an impressive collection of homes perfect for creating your signature style. Some of Northeast Florida's finest homebuilders are designing homes within Nocatee with distinct character, gathering places and amenities. Communities include: Austin Park, Coastal Oaks, Riverwood, Tidewater and Willowcove.

“Nocatee is a dynamic, must-see community,” said Swan. “It’s a fantastic lifestyle destination; an award-winning development; a popular event venue; an emerging retail and professional hub; and an environmental conservation area. World-class amenities and social events round out an outstanding community package.”

To attend “Groovin’ in the Park,” directions to the Nocatee Community Park are as follows: from A1A, exit onto Palm Valley Road (CR 210) and travel west over the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge. Exit onto Crosswater Parkway South. Travel one-half mile, through the roundabout. The entrance to the park is located on the right.

From US 1, take Valley Ridge Boulevard (landmarked by the Gate gas station). Follow until this turns into Nocatee Parkway, then exit onto Crosswater Parkway and travel south. Travel through the roundabout. The entrance to the park is located on the right.

“Groovin’ in the Park” directional, event signage will be posted roadside. In the event of inclimate weather, a rain date will be scheduled. For more information, please visit www. Nocatee.com.

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