Florida Festivals and Fairs

As I have said in previous posts, I’m a people watcher and what better way to meet new people than in their local hometowns. In our travels throughout Florida and other states, I like to buy a local paper to see if there are any local street fairs going on in the area.

In just the last 45-days alone we have gone to the Tomato Festival and the Manatee Festival. We missed the Strawberry Festival and have attended the Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival in the past. (This year’s corn festival is May 25 & 26, so if you are in Central Florida area that weekend check it out. Remember to take a chair with you so you can sit and listen to the musical acts).

We have friends that love festival/fair food. They get so excited about the elephant ears, fried Twinkies and fiddle sticks. Well here in sunny Florida add to that list fresh tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, watermelons, some of the best sweet corn around, BBQ and a variety of seafood (do you sense a theme here) and you have an mouth watering outing.

You never know what you will see at these festivals. At the Tomato Festival we saw artisans doing woodwork, making rope (the kids seemed to love this one) and a traditional blacksmith. There was an antique car show with a people’s choice category, so attendees got to vote for the winner. They also had an antique tractor show and a large variety of crafts and plants for sale. It was held at E.G. Simmons Park. With a beautiful view of the bay, plus the breeze, it made a 90-degree day bearable. There was a wonderful shelter where we sat and listened to local country and blue grass local artists. This particular festival did have a $5 entry fee. We got our money’s worth that is for sure.

Now I have just named a few festivals that I am familiar with in Florida. I am not suggesting a drive across the state from your beachside villa, but I do recommend that you investigate what might be going on within a 30 mile radius of your hotel and check out a bit of local flavor.