Festival February

By E. Adam Porter Editor, News of SCC & South County

While, for me, Christmas remains the “most wonderful time of the year,” the season we’re about to enter is a close second. Central Florida is preparing for a nonstop, two-month run of the sort of entertainment that brings out the kid in all of us, the kind of experiences that should come equipped with comfortable walking shoes, a willingness to try new things, an adventurous appetite… and probably some Pepcid. A span of weeks dominated by cool, sunny mornings and clear days when the carnivals and circuses roll into town and set up shop, inviting one and all to witness eye-popping spectacle and indulge in deep-fried goodies that taste like a trip back in time.

Call it “Festival Season,” about 10 weeks that begin in early February and stretch all the way to April Fool’s Day. The weather is top shelf, as if custom-ordered by the Chamber of Commerce, and the lineup of entertainment is never better. There are fun day trips to be found in every direction: eclectic live acts offering everything from trapeze artistry to fire juggling, deathdefying feats, fun rides, and delicious treats to delight any palette. Here are just a few…

Florida State Fair

The Florida State Fair is back and better than ever. Kicking off on February 9 and running through February 20, there is more fun to be found at the Fair this year than you can manage in one trip. Which is exactly what our travel reporter, Kai Rambow, suggests in his column in this issue. Be sure to give it a read to help plan your visits, and, for more information about the Florida State Fair, check out their website at “floridastatefair.com”.

Circus Sarasota If you prefer your seasonal entertainment to be climate controlled, you can run away to the circus in Sarasota this month. The renowned Circus Arts Conservatory presents Circus Sarasota under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park from February 10 through March 5. Enjoy internationally-acclaimed acts demonstrating the best of the traditional circus arts. The News crew attended the show together a few years back, and we’re still talking about the incredible acrobatics and fun entertainment. Circus Sarasota is celebrating 25 years this season, so expect something extra special. 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle in Sarasota, 34235. Tickets and info at “circusarts.org”.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival

After struggling through Covid postponements and a change of venue (to a better location, in my opinion), the Bay Area Renaissance Festival has found its footing and is preparing for another exciting year transporting guests back in time to the days of armored knights, chivalry, magic, and mystery. Enjoy a variety of live music and signature entertainment running weekends beginning February 18 and going through April 2. For more information including tickets and themed weekends, check out “bayarearenfest.com”.

Florida Strawberry Festival

Join all of Central Florida having a grand time celebrating the star of Florida’s official state dessert, strawberry shortcake (yes, it’s really official, as of last July). Rides, games, food, fun, and, as always, a stellar lineup of live entertainment, await thrill seekers in Plant City. The theme this year is “We Have a Winner,” and you’ll certainly feel like a winner when you’re ladling out a mountain of sugary berries over tasty shortcake... or switch it up and slather the berry goodness on funnel cake or an elephant ear or a homemade Amish donut. The Strawberry Festival runs March 2 through 12. Learn more at “flstrawberryfestival. com”.

Goodson

Farms Market

For a taste of Festival Season right down the road, cruise over to Goodson Farms Strawberry Market. Enjoy fresh strawberry shortcake and other goodies, as well as shakes, sandwiches, fruits, veggies, and flats of berries you can take home and share with your friends. 12405 CR- 672, Wimauma, FL 33598. Check them out on Facebook at “facebook. com/GoodsonFarms”.

Whatever you choose to do, whether you travel and feed the kid in you, or you stay close to home and take advantage of all the local events happening in SCC & South County, take some time to enjoy the beautiful weather and all the fun there is to be found in Festival Season. Hope to see you out there!

of SCC & South County

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Center 4Life Learning

This fun, non-accredited adult education outreach program that serves the entire community. The classes are designed to inform, entertain, and inspire with its wide curriculum. The 2023 spring semester begins February 13 at the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center. Visit our website at “sccumc.com/4lifelearning” for more information and register online for classes and trips. The Center 4Life Learning office is open for registration, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Life is an adventure. Come join the fun. Signup today. 1971 Haverford Avenue. For more information, call 813-634-8607 or email “center4life@sccumc.com”.