Events
The Chamber of Commerce is engaged in activities to advance and promote the general growth, prosperity, integrity and business development in the community. Due to the low population of Jefferson County, the Chamber is the central information point for many activities in the community and maintains a calendar of events and activities for the area. There are over 200 members in the Chamber and includes most businesses as well as many private individuals.The Chamber has been housed in the old Catholic Church in downtown Monticello since the mid 1970’s. The small, wood frame church, built in the early 1900’s, offers the architectural design of many churches built during that period. Activities sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce include:
Southern Music Rising: The 3rd Annual Southern Music Rising Festival will be April 15th-17th, 2010 around downtown Monticello. Enjoy musical concerts throughout the year at the Monticello Opera House. Visit http://www.southernmusicrising.com for more information.
Historic Monticello Ghost Tours: During the last three weekends in October on Friday and Saturday nights. All Ghost Tours begin at the Monticello Chamber of Commerce Office. Select your date and time. Tickets are available at the Chamber. Call 997-5552 for more information.
Puttin’ on the Ritz: Celebrate the New Year in a glamor filled evening, December 31st at the Monticello Opera House, 7pm until 1am. This event is a fundraiser for the Opera House. Tickets include dinner and a show. Complimentary champagne and dessert at midnight, as well as complimentary party favors. Call 850-997-4242 for more information or visit the website at http://www.monticellofloridaoperahouse.com for more information.
Political Forums: Political forums are sponsored by the Chamber for most elections.
Jefferson County Watermelon Festival: The Watermelon Festival is the highlight of community activities in Jefferson County. Started over 50 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of the county, the festival includes beauty pageants, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, sports events, and parade. Held each year the third week of June, the festival encourages community groups to sponsor events and raise funds for ongoing projects.Visit http://www.watermelonfestivalfl.com for more information.
Annual Trade Fair: The Trade Fair which is open to the public, is held each fall and gives Chamber members an opportunity to set up information/demonstration booths about their business.
Small Business Assistance (coordinated with Florida A & M University): Workshops are held monthly at the Chamber offering classes on many aspects of small business.
Newcomer Information: Provide general county and local business information and plant basket donated by local florist to familiarize new residents with the county.
Business Directory: Listing of all Chamber members updated annually.
Christmas Celebration: Christmas celebration held in downtown Monticello the first Friday night in December. Highlights Christmas music, crafts and children’s performances. For details, click here to visit this webpage:
Field Trial Banquet: Held in mid-January for a two week period at Dixie Plantation, this event has been held for over 100 years and is a trial for dogs and trainers. The trials take place over a course that encompasses almost the entire 10,000 acres of Dixie Plantation.
