LOCAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS THIS SPRING BY REBECCA FENDING It may seem early to start thinking of spring, but Florida’s festival season is just about to begin. From the world-famous Florida Strawberry Festival to the many food and music festivals in the state, make the season ahead a busy one! Manatee Festival in Orange City – January 22-23 @ 9 am The Manatee Festival offers all kinds of entertainment for young and old. There will be many craft vendors, food vendors, children's games and rides, and a variety of musical acts for all to enjoy. One of the biggest attractions each year is the Disc-Connected K9s which are the world's most famous Frisbee dogs. This festival has free general admission. Learn more at themanateefestival. com.
2022 John’s Pass Seafood Festival – January 20-23 For the last 40 years, the historic John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach Florida has become a venue for a large celebration of fresh Gulf seafood. This four-day outdoor event features hundreds of local vendors offering a plethora of seafood, an art and crafts show, live music and various family-friendly activities. General admission is free. For more information, visit madeirabeachfl. gov/johns-pass-seafood-festival.
14th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival – January 29-30 @ 10 am For craft, jewelry and art lovers, this craft festival is one to put on your planner. Browse and purchase a wide variety of ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works and much more. The event will be set up along West Venice Avenue, one of Venice’s historic downtown streets. There will also be a Green Market that offers live flora, kettle corn, gourmet spices and sauces. This festival has free general admission. Learn more at artfestival.com.
47th Annual Mount Dora Arts Festival – February 5-6 This free festival will take place from 9 am to 5 pm in the picturesque, lakefront, historic district of Mount Dora, featuring artists from all over the country, as well as food trucks and entertainment. Learn more at mountdoraartsfestival.org.
Naples National Art Show – February 19-20 A competitive juried event, The Naples National Art Show is a fine art and fine craft show that showcases the work of artists in 17 different categories. This is the only Naples Art Association show that offers Lifestyles After 50 • January 2022 • 8
$5,000 in cash awards for Best of Show, Best 2D, Best 3D and Awards of Distinction in 2D and 3D. Find more at naplesart.org/naples-national.
Florida Strawberry Festival – March 3-14 To celebrate the 87th anniversary of this event, the theme is “#1 for Fun!” As always, the festival itinerary is stacked with live entertainment, delicious food and carnival rides. Musical entertainment includes The Beach Boys, Boyz II Men, Lady A, TESLA and many more throughout the two-week festival. To learn more, get tickets and plan your visit, see flstrawberryfestival. com.
Wine and Seafood Festival at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards – March 18-20 Marking the start of spring, this event will feature a number of Lakeridge beer and wine, soft drinks and seafood dishes. Enjoy the fresh air at your local winery! Visit facebook.com/LakeridgeWines for more information.
