The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is the historical repository for not only its home city of Valparaiso, but for an area that extends north to the outskirts of Crestview and south into Shalimar. The building is stuffed to the rafters with relics left behind by prehistoric cultures and early Florida settlers and items salvaged from local collectors or donated by prominent residents.
The museum will open its doors Saturday free of charge to all comers as it celebrates the 45th annual Saturday in the Park. This year, the festival occurs in conjunction with Valparaiso s 100th birthday.
The day will start with a 5K run, after which contestants will be feted with real life, Boggy Boy-cooked mullet in a nod to the now-defunct Niceville Mullet Festival, said Heritage Museum Board Chairwoman Barb Palmgren.