ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Thousands of people will be celebrating everything about Northeast Florida and the counties represented under the 904 area code on Thursday, Sept. 4 -- 904 Day.
If you are out shopping, make sure you pick something up from a local business or have some fun doing an activity in the News4JAX viewing area.
From a full day of events planned at the Orange Park Mall to food trucks at James Weldon Johnson Park downtown to the launch of a brand-new sandwich at Firehouse Subs, Northeast Florida residents have plenty of ways to celebrate the 904 on Thursday.
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Time capsule
During 904 Day at the Orange Park Mall, there will be performances by local music artists, a Rolling Gems skating troupe performance, 20 local nonprofits and a scavenger hunt for 50 “$50” gift cards from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
One unique opportunity at the mall on Thursday is the chance to be part of a time capsule.
The general manager of the mall said that starting Thursday morning, people can bring in memorabilia or anything that serves as a memory of the mall and put it in the time capsule in Center Court near Dillard’s.
People can add items to the time capsule from Thursday through Dec. 31 as part of an effort to celebrate Orange Park Mall turning 50 years old on Sept. 24.
“It can be a local paper. It can be a picture of you and Santa,” said general manager Randy Bowman. “The mall has a rich history, and we are excited for the next 50 years. We recently were just purchased. We have amazing buyers who are investing in the infrastructure, redevelopment, taking them all up to an exciting new level.”
RELATED: Investment firm buys Orange Park Mall, aims to improve community programming, shopper experience
The time capsule will be sealed shortly after Dec. 31 and reopened in 50 years.
“It is a great opportunity for us all to learn about the history of the mall,” Bowman said. “Putting this project together, I have learned so much about how the mall was actually built in Clay County versus Duval County. The mall was the reason why Wells Road was built. Our first Santa -- 50 years ago, we could not find one. It was a high school student who volunteered for the fire department.”
Jo’s Kool-Aid Stand
A 7-year-old entrepreneur is going to be there all day, as well, as part of the mall’s events.
Josiah Dinkins is a second-grader who sells some pretty cool drinks through “Jo’s Kool-Aid Stand,” which he launched in May.
Dinkins sells custom Kool-Aid drinks, honey drippers and sometimes even mixes the two.
He sells them for a dollar a cup, mostly at the Oakleaf Roundabout, which is near his neighborhood.
Josiah started the business because he wants to buy a really good 3-D printer and make things like action figures and a sword.
“I wanted to get a 3-D printer,” Dinkins said. “I’m like, ‘I want to get it myself.’ It is because it is summer, and most people did not really sell Kool-Aid and things like that. It is hot. I just got the idea of selling Kool-Aid.”
His mother, Kevona Dinkins, is also an entrepreneur. She started a body butter, oil and scrub business in 2019.
Kevona said she is proud of her son and impressed with his decision-making and assertiveness.
She says she hopes to continue guiding him and giving him sound advice.
“I absolutely need him to understand that there are ebbs and flows. It is up and down. Every day is not going to be a high,” Kevona said about business. “It has been fun and chaotic. I absolutely love it. I am so proud of him. He literally just one day walked up to us and said, ‘I want to have a Kool-Aid stand,’ and I am the right person for that, so absolutely, let’s do it.”
Josiah said he is about halfway to his goal of getting enough money to buy a 3-D printer that he says would cost around $300.
Ribault River Tour
Celebrate 904 Day with a river cruise on the Ribault River.
On the sunset boat tour, you can learn about the wildlife along the Ribault River and the fishing community that has lived along these shores for decades
Your hosts will help you discover a newfound appreciation for Jacksonville’s Northside and nature.
Explore the St. Johns watershed with Northside Pride, St. Johns Riverkeeper, and Jacksonville University on a boat tour where conservation meets culture.
Guests are asked to arrive at the Bert Maxwell Boat Ramp at 500 Maxwell Road in Jacksonville by 6:30 p.m. The boat will load at 6:45 p.m. and leave promptly at 7 p.m.
The one-hour tours rely on the tide, so a timely departure is important.
Admission is $11.48. Click here to buy tickets.
An evening in the garden
The Garden Club of Jacksonville will be hosting “An evening in the garden” from 5-8 p.m. Thursday for 904 Day.
Enjoy views of the St. Johns River, tour the event venue at 1005 Riverside Ave., learn about the many community programs for children and adults, shop from local vendors in the Farmers and Flowers Market on the patio, taste light bites from Anthony’s Catering, and enjoy a film showcase curated by Dana Maule. from 6-7 p.m. in the ballroom.
Register for free at GardenClubJax.org.
Food trucks in the park
James Weldon Johnson Park will host food trucks in the partk from 11 am.-2 p.m. Thursday.
Food trucks include Chubby Burrito, Bites by Ema, and Lasa Taste of the Philippines.
Jags Stack at Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs is debuting a brand-new Jags Stack with “DUUUVAL Drizzle” on 904 Day in honor of its ongoing partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Available for a limited time only at Firehouse Subs restaurants across the greater Jacksonville area, the Jags Stack is layered with honey ham, smoked turkey, tender roast beef, melted provolone, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sliced onions, crunchy chopped pickles, and finished with the sub shop’s signature “DUUUVAL Drizzle” - a unique blend of mayo, pickle juice, and Firehouse garlic and herb seasoning.
“If there are two things Jacksonville is known for, it’s Firehouse Subs and the Jacksonville Jaguars,” said Mike Hancock, president at Firehouse Subs. “When our team created the Jags Stack, we wanted it to feel like Jacksonville – bold, hearty, and full of hometown pride. We can’t wait for fans across the First Coast to come try it while it’s here."
To find your nearest First Coast restaurant to try a Jags Stack, visit FirehouseSubs.com.