A Passport ticket includes entry to all events (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday).

A Day Pass ticket includes entry to all Thursday events.

A Day Pass ticket includes entry to all Friday events.

Enjoy a hot breakfast while hearing former Space Shuttle astronaut Mike Mullane share thrilling stories from his NASA missions and powerful lessons on teamwork, leadership, and risk-taking. His inspiring presentation will leave you motivated to reach new heights—both personally and professionally. Scheduled time is 8:30am-10am

Enjoy a hot breakfast and an inspiring keynote presentation by award-winning actor and mental health advocate Joe Pantoliano (The Goonies, The Sopranos, The Matrix). Joe shares stories of resilience, purpose, and self-discovery, followed by an engaging audience Q&A. Scheduled time is 8:30am-10am

Let’s have a whimsical discussion over tea about a magical place founded in Florida in 1986 where the mayor of a Village is a big bunny rabbit, where Wish kids and their families can have ice cream for breakfast, where Christmas is celebrated every week, and every day is an incredible theme park journey to Disney, Universal and Sea World.  Presented by Guest Experience Coordinator Christopher Mitchell of Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida who will explain the unique experience available to families with children facing terminal or life-threatening illnesses and how this power of happy therapy can inspire hope and transform lives.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea while exploring the art and history of Native American finger weaving—an intricate textile tradition that experienced a cultural revival in the 1980s. This special presentation features a live demonstration and an engaging talk that highlights the techniques, patterns, and stories behind this ancient craft. Guests will learn how finger weaving has been preserved, revitalized, and celebrated across generations, all while enjoying an elegant afternoon English tea with hors d'oeuvres served on hand-painted China by local porcelain artists. 

This talk explores the catastrophic Chernobyl nuclear disaster of April 26, 1986—one of the most significant technological failures in modern history. We will examine the sequence of events that led to the explosion at Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Soviet Ukraine, the human and environmental cost of the disaster, and the long-term effects that continue to shape global nuclear policy. The session will also shed light on the heroism of the first responders, the secrecy of the Soviet response, and the lessons learned in the decades since. Through historical analysis and scientific context, the talk aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how a single event reshaped our perception of nuclear energy forever. Scheduled for Thursday, 1/29/26, from 4:15pm-5:15pm.

Greg was an eyewitness to the collapse of communism. Living and working in Poland from 1986 to 1990, he saw the rot finally give way and knew many of the people who became household names. But what he saw went mostly unreported and has since fallen by the wayside before new narratives had been woven about why communism fell. Greg will share some of those stories about himself and real persons in Poland: what they faced, how they coped, and how they overcame enormous obstacles to refute and defeat Marx and Lenin. Scheduled for Friday, 1/30/26, from 4:15pm-5:15pm.

After leaving the White House in 1981, President Jimmy Carter founded The Carter Center in 1986 and dedicated his post-presidency to “waging peace” worldwide through disease eradication, agricultural support, and conflict resolution. Presenter Christopher Mitchell shares firsthand stories from traveling with the Carters across Africa—recounting extraordinary adventures, historic moments, and personal reflections, including his final goodbyes to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

Explore historic DeFuniak Springs with local historian Robert Daniel. Learn about the original Florida Chautauqua that took place from 1885-1928 by hearing local stories and seeing beautiful Victorian structures, including the recently restored Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood.

This dinner is catered by Papa's Smokehouse and will feature a 1980s trivia night!

Join us for an epic evening showing of The Empire Strikes Back! Step into a galaxy far, far away with a special screening of this Star Wars classic. Enjoy theater-style food including popcorn, candy, and drinks while immersing yourself in the adventure. Costumes are welcome—whether you're channeling your inner Jedi, Sith, or Wookiee, come dressed for the rebellion (or the Empire)! May the Force be with you for a night of nostalgia, action, and galactic fun.

Includes entrance to all activities: Rocky Balboa boxing match, ceramic painting, dog costume contest, and hot air balloon project from 10am-2pm.