“Blackwater Bones Lost Treasure”

The annual Blackwater Bones treasure hunt will get underway this Friday.

Treasure hunters can get the first clue personally from Captain Blackwater Bones himself at 6 p.m. on the front porch of the Blackwater Bistro.

Treasure Maps will also be available at the Friday kickoff, as they have keys needed to find the treasure. These maps will also be available at the Chamber and can be downloaded off the website

Officially the clues don’t begin until the morning of the June 26th.

An added twist will be added this year, as there are prizes for first and second place as well.

So keep watching for clues, as the last clue will be given on July 2.

According to Donna Tucker, Executive Director of the Santa Rosa County Chamber, the treasure will be located in the downtown Milton area. It will not be on private (residential property), it will not be buried, and does not require swimming or climbing.

When the treasure is found, there will be instructions inside of it for the treasure hunter to follow to claim the treasure.

The treasure will be presented on July 4th at the South Pavilion during the festivities, as will the awards for second and third place.

This year’s winner will receive an authentic hand cast silver Blackwater Pyrate coins valued at $300. Second and third place will receive authentic Pyrate Wear donated by the Blackwater Pyrates, Inc of Milton.

Clues will be available on line at www.srpressgazette.com as well as the Santa Rosa County Chamber website and they will be posted daily on the front windows of the building located at 5247 Stewart Street

Also the preparations are being made for the 2010 Riverfest in Downtown Milton, hosted by the Santa Rosa County chamber and the City of Milton.

Riverfest features a full day of fun and activities on Sunday, July 4, which will culminate in a fireworks display over the Blackwater River at dark.

Activities planned for Sunday include the Firecracker Bike Show and Freedom Custom Car Show, Independence Boat Parade, Veterans salute, the Treasure Island children’s activity area, the Great Mill Town Duck Race, live entertainment throughout the day and vendors of all kinds.

Space is still available if you would like to be a vendor.

All the fun begins at 10 a.m. and ends following the fireworks.

Saturday will mark the second annual Stars and Stripes Forever Parade at 6:30 p.m., July 3.

The parade will start at Milton High School and end on South Willing Street by the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Plaza.

For additional information, schedule of events or registration for vendors or parades, please contact the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce located at 5247 Stewart Street, Milton; Phone:  850-623-233