Organizers of the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center's "Hot Glass, Cold Brew" have announced the next event date for Friday, February 12. From 5 to 9 p.m., participants can enjoy a sweetheart of a deal by making a suggested donation of $25 for non-members and $20 for members to receive a hand-blown, souvenir glass and *complimentary beverages provided by the Escambia Bay Homebrewers throughout the evening. Participants can also enjoy delicious pizza from O'Zone Pizza as well as glass blowing and pottery demonstrations and an interactive glass mosaic project. Bring your special someone and enjoy a unique evening of art, music and cold brew.

Musical entertainment for Hot Glass, Cold Brew will feature a variety of local musicians, many of whom participate in the Belmont's Open Mic Night typically held on the second Friday of every month. Live music begins at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact 429-1222or visit www.belmontartscenter.com.

*All ages are invited to attend, however patrons must be 21 years of age with valid photo ID for consumption of adult beverages. Please drink responsibly.

It's time to kick off the Mardi Gras Season, and here are the events you won't want to miss:

Annual Junior Achievement of NW Florida Mardi Gras Bowl - February 5 - Annual Junior Achievement Mardi Gras Bowl February 05 & 06, 2010 Got a little time to spare? Volunteer to be a part of a five to ten-person team from your company or organization, with a team goal of securing $500.00 in contributions from friends, family, neighbors, colleagues and vendors! Cost- $20 per person

Time-Feb. 5: 4:30- 10:30.  Feb. 6: Noon- 9:30 PM Place- Cordova Lanes. Contact-Lee Ann Todd at 850-477-1420 info@nwf-ja.org.

Pirates of Lost Treasure Mardi Gras Flotilla - February 6, 2010 - Scurvy pirates and winsome wenches will celebrate the 16th annual Pirates of the Lost Treasure Mardi Gras Flotilla on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. The nautical excursion departs Galvez Landing, travels to the Oyster Bar and travels up Ole River to finally celebrate with a Buccaneers Victory Party at the Florabama Lounge. Spectators are invited to watch from The Oysters Bar, Perdido Bay Seafood Dock, Galvez Landing and Florabama docks. For more information, call Tonie Allsopp, 221-0737.

Westgate Mardi Gras Parade - February 9 - All Krewes are invited to join the Westgate School Mardi Gras Parade for special children who are unable to get to the Grand Mardi Gras parade. The parade will be Tuesday, February 9th at 9:00 a.m. There will also be a cake auction and Cajun food available. Please contact Susie or Joe at 494-5700 to become part of this special celebration.

Main Street Milton Mardi Gras Parade - February 11 - Main Street Milton's annual Mardi Gras parade is a fun tradition for Milton. New, longer parade route winds through downtown's North Willing Street this year. Be a part of this fun,family-oriented event. Lineup begins on the North side of Milton High School on Raymond Hobbs Street. Parade starts at 6:00 p.m. and proceeds South on Stewart Street, take left onto Berryhill, take right until N. Willing St., to Hwy 90 where it will end. The route is 1.2 miles long.Applications may be downloaded from the www.mainstreetmilton.org web-site or picked up at the following locations: The Old PostOffice Antiques or The Copper Possum.

Krewe of LaFitte Illuminated Night Parade - February 12 - The Krewe of Lafitte, Pensacola's hometown pirates, hosts their annual Illuminated Mardi Gras Night Parade on Friday, February 12, 2010 in downtown Pensacola. The parade will start at 8:00 p.m. at the corner of Spring and Garden Streets and follow the traditional parade route.

In addition to the Krewe of Lafitte's illuminated Pirate Ships, there will be other ships, floats, and marching units. All will have plenty of throws to wow the revelers, so come out and celebrate the Mardi Gras! Join the greatest Pirate of them all, Jean Lafitte, and his band of rowdy pirates at the Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade on Friday, February 12, 2010 Handicapped parking will be provided at the city parking lot on the southwest corner of Gregory and Palafox streets. The parade may also be viewed from this location.

If you need more information, please contact Karl Nessamar at850.232.6059 or email him at nessamar@bellsouth.net. You can also visit the KOL's website at www.kreweoflafitte.net.

Seville Quarter's Pre-Parade Party - February 13 -FREE to the public! Mardi Gras comes to downtown Pensacola on Saturday, February 13, 2010... Start your day off with all the festive Mardi Gras Krewes with the Pre-Parade Party at 11:00 a.m.  Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc's Grand Mardi Gras Parade rolls at 2:00 p.m., but don't worry Seville has a post-parade dance party too!  After the downtown parade, Seville hosts the biggest post party ever & will be featuring one of the best bands: Caught on Camera in Seville Quarter's Party Plaza.... Contact: Call Seville at 850.434.6211.

Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade - February13 - Downtown Pensacola - The parade will start at 2:00 p.m. at the corner of Spring and Garden Streets and follow the traditional parade route. For more information www.pensacolamardigras.com.

Krewe of Wrecks Beach Parade - February14 - Pensacola Beach - Krewe of Wrecks Parade starts at 2:00 pm from Avieneda 10 to Casino Parking lot. Go to www.kowrecks.com for more information

Red Beans & Rice Happy Hour Event - February15 - Where: Seville Quarter   When: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February15, 2010Cost: Free Red Beans & Rice with Drink Specials until 8:00 p.m.; You must be 21 & over. Contact: Buck Mitchell at434-6211 or email him at buck@rosies.com.

IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, a local women's philanthropy group membership drive is underway for 2010. The group, established in 2004, has used the $1,000 annual membership donation to give over $2.3 million to local non profits. Membership is open to anyone interested in making a contribution of $1,000, and is due by March 1, 2010. Learn more about IMPACT 100 by joining us for refreshments and conversation at our upcoming membership events:

Thursday, February 11th from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Pensacola Museum of Art    407 S. Jefferson St., Pensacola

Wednesday, February 17th from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Institute for Human & Machine Cognition    40 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola

Thursday, February 18th from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Jackson's    400 S. Palafox St., Pensacola

Thegroup, founded in 2004, raised $233,000 in its first year, $250,000 in2005, $340,000 in 2006, $472,000 in 2007, $563,000 in 2008 and $514,000in 2009.  Last years membership drive brings total funds raised to$2,372,000, all of which is awarded to non profits in Santa Rosa andEscambia Counties. Please RSVP to info@impact100pensacola.com or888-992-5646.

The group, founded in 2004, raised $233,000 in its first year, $250,000 in 2005, $340,000 in 2006, $472,000 in 2007, $563,000 in 2008 and $514,000 in 2009.  Last years membership drive brings total funds raised to $2,372,000, all of which is awarded to non profits in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties. Please RSVP to info@impact100pensacola.com or 888-992-5646.