This entire festival experience has been AWFUL!!! VIP Packages... THOUSANDS of dollars and NOBODY…read morehere has had a clue wth is going on. Organization is NON-EXISTENT!!! This was my daughter's first festival (19 th birthday), my first Okee festival and I will NEVER, AND I MEAN NEVERRRRRR DO THIS AGAIN!!! Think the WORST experience possible, and multiply that by a million!!! Anything and everything that could be wrong, go sideways or just be a flat out horrible experience... that's what this has been!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO LEAVE AND GO HOME!!!

this is my first year at Okee and I wanted to experience all of the activities they offer at the…read morefest so I arrived at 12 through the directions that was provided by the festival. it is currently 2:16 and my eta isn't until 4 at this moment. we've been sitting in stand still traffic for 2 hours. one entrance to the fest is NOT feasible and honestly ridiculous for hosting 40,000 people. being in the middle of nowhere, you'd think they could manage at LEAST 2 entrances to the festival. very disappointed and haven't even entered the festival grounds yet. hope to make the sets I want to see by 4:45, but not sure I will make them. do better Okee.

When it comes to free festivals, this one is the best kept secret in Florida. Located in the heart…read moreof true Florida, Clewiston is every bit of American farm culture as anywhere in the US. The town welcomes you in and you feel true American spirit without any political sabotage. Family friendly, while still delivering that turn it up country party vibe. Not easy to pull of btw. Opening nite show with Don Felder of the Eagles with a big firework finale was enough to call it a successful event. Saturday car show was a trip down memory lane. Tons of agriculture and farming equipment and history on display. The Saturday concert list was full of talent and good vibes. Food booths for miles and plenty of retailers offering all sorts of relevant products. Then Jake Owen closed the festival with his signature crowd focused show. Free??? I almost don't want to post this so we can keep it a secret! If you want real Florida, country, American shenanigans, check it out. Hats off to Big Sugar for making it all happen.

Every year at end of the sugar cane harvest season, Clewiston, known as "America's Sweetest Town,"…read morecelebrates the harvest with its Clewiston Sugar Festival center in the city's Civic Park located on Highway 27 right next to its historic Clewiston Inn. It's at this event that everyone gets a close-up look at what sugar cane farming is all about with large outdoor stage entertainment, bands, singers, vendors, foods, and "Sugarland Express" tours where you are not only offered the opportunity to see, view and learn the latest in sugar farming techniques but to also chop and chew on some of the world's best sugar cane. The Sugar Festival I attended was Clewiston's 30th such event, which locals commonly refer to their "Raising Cane" party. It's based upon their original such event by United States Sugar company back it the 1930's held when the grinding mill "went down" after the last carload of the year's harvested sugar was grinded out. The festival also celebrates Clewiston's surroundings like Lake Okeechobee as well as its neighboring partners such as the Seminole Nation. Though it's a large event gathering and played up rather big by the local Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, being fun, educational and entertaining, not really all that much as far as festivals go. This may be due in part as Clewiston really isn't all that much of a city with so many of the local farm workers being of migrant farm labor from Mexico, Jamaica and Barbados, living in migrant farm housing and the sugar industry itself generally owing its prosperity to various federally set sugar price supports, USDA regulated sugar allotments and tariff rate quotas. Indeed, if you are foodie and looking to try new or authentic foreign tastes in foods, I found those of Mexico to be your best bet though there are many local South Florida vendor offerings such as gator burgers, etc.

Lake Placid is known as the Caladium Capital of the World. Ninety-eight percent of the world's…read morecaladium bulbs are grown in Lake Placid. Although native to South America, caladiums are popular house plants that are easily propagated from tubers, or bulbs. Ninety-eight percent of the world's tubers are grown in Lake Placid on fourteen caladium farms. To celebrate the importance of caladiums to the Lake Placid economy, an annual festival is held late July. This year was the 34th annual Caladium Festival. I always wanted to attend so I am happy I made it happen this year. It was worth the drive to take part in this charming celebration. The festival is held over three days, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A car show is held in nearby Devane Park on Saturday. The main events of the Caladium Festival take place in Stuart Park. There is plenty of free parking in a field next to the park. In Stuart Park you will find artisan tents, food, live entertainment, and of course caladiums for sale along with other kinds of plants. Do not miss the Elk tent for their popular strawberry shortcake ice cream dessert. For only $6 it benefits their children's charity. The Masonic Lodge sells fried catfish and the Knights of Columbus make pulled pork. There are other tents and trucks selling every kind of food you can imagine not to mention all of the nearby cafe's, restaurants, and coffee and ice cream shops which will also have food and drinks for sale. A highlight of the festival is shopping for caladiums at the numerous tents in Stuart Park. Before this festival I really never gave much thought to caladiums but I was impressed with how pretty they are and how many different shades of pink and red they came in. They make attractive and hardy house plants and ground cover for the garden. Other items I saw for sale included tropical wine, local honey, clothes, accessories, jewelry, and art. Almost of all of the area businesses were also selling caladium themed merchandise. The festival also has a floral arrangement competition sponsored by The Lake Placid Garden Club, a Caladium Festival art competition, and the Tiny and Little Miss Caladium Festival Pageant. For $18 you can purchase a bus ticket from the Women's Club and take an hour long tour of the caladium farms. Throughout the festival there is live entertainment on the stage in Stuart Park. It was really hot throughout the day and Advent Health was on hand with free cold water, cooling towels and backpacks, and a cooling off misting area. Other stops I made during the festival which I really enjoyed were to the Lake Placid Historical Society and Museum where I took in a little town history and enjoyed a complimentary cold water and to the Caladium Arts and Crafts Cooperative where I shopped local artisans. Of course I couldn't help but admire all of the murals in the downtown that gave Lake Placid its other nickname, Town of Murals. If you are thinking about attending this festival, do it! The folks of Lake Placid are some of the friendliest you will meet in Florida.

Lake Placid, Florida is the caladium capital of the world, and every year they have a festival to…read morecelebrate. This year, 2021, was the festival's 30th year, and my first time attending. The festival ran from 9 am - 4 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10 am - 3 pm on Sunday. In addition to the Arts and Crafts Show and Plant Show which ran all three days, they also had a Car & Bike show on Saturday. You were encouraged to buy bus tickets at the show to tour the nearby caladium farms, but we did not do this. Parking was easy because we arrived early. The first thing we did was go the closest tent to buy caladiums. I bought a flat of 10 different caladium plants for $24, which is dirt cheap. I was thrilled that there was also cactus vendor, and ended up buying a few succulents, also at outstanding prices. I went home with a new bromeliad too - I can't say no when it comes to cool plants. The festival was much larger than I expected it to be, with a nice assortment of craft vendors selling a variety of products. When the heat became too much, we went inside a nearby building to vote on our favorite piece of caladium art, and caladium plant display. I love that the church was handing out ice water, and there was a water truck you could refill your water bottle at. There were plenty of food vendors, and the fresh fruit mix vendor was perfect for this steamy day. Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen if you go; while there were a few shade tents set up to eat at, and listen to the live assortment of musical acts, it was broiling outside. A great time was had by all, and we will definitely be back next year.

The Speckled Perch Festival is the oldest festival in Okeechobee. The festival began in 1965 as a…read moreway of honoring the regions fishing industry. Speckled perch also known by the not as appealing name of crappie is a fresh water fish considered to be one of the best tasting with a sweet, mild flavor. It's high in protein and omega-3s, and low in saturated fat. It is also a good source of magnesium and vitamin B12. The fish is a favorite of anglers fishing Lake Okeechobee. The Speckled Perch Festival is a two day festival held in Flagler Park. The festival kicks off with a parade with classic cars and a cattle drive at 10 AM. Festivities then continue at the park with a classic car show, food tents and trucks, vendors, live music, and religious and local civic groups. Parking is plentiful on the surrounding streets and admission is free. This was my first time attending and I had a great time. This is exactly the kind of family and pet friendly, quaint Florida event I love. There was even more food and shopping at the area businesses lining Main Street. This annual event brings the community together for food and fun.

Festival season is in full swing in Florida and this past weekend was the 23rd year of the annual…read morecraft festival in Stuart which is held over two days from 10 AM until 5 PM in historic downtown Stuart. The street is shut down so crafters and artists can sell their wares. Admission to the festival is free. There were many tents selling clothes, jewelry, art, ceramics, food, plants, accessories, and so much more. You can also shop and dine at all of the businesses lining the street and there was live music by the water. Parking was free and a breeze and Kiwanis Park. There are also many other free lots in the downtown area. Stuart is one of my favorite cities because it is so quaint and picturesque. They were the perfect hosts for a such a family friendly festival.

First year coming to the Cabbage Festival. My boyfriend and I set up a tent promoting him(Realtor)…read moreand his brokerage. We are having so much fun meeting some really nice people! Definitely will come back next year.

Came out here last weekend in February with Paul and Arlene H for swamp cabbage palm festival for…read morecar show, parade, festival food. We got there early watched some of the parade at 10:00 caught the end of an armadillo races. We saw a few friends and had a great time. It's fun for all ages and a great way to re-live some of my small hometown memories of life in a small town. Pro tip visit the food venders early before or during the parade. Wait times are zero. Wear comfortable shoes and go under the bridge to cross bridge at because the police are trying to keep traffic moving on bridge st. Food 4 indian fry bread/indian burgers/pumpkin fry bread was delicious swamp cabbage in a cup was good too. Not a big fan of this delicacy. The fritter version was a little better with hot sauce. Ambiance 4 lots to do and see. Service 4 small town hospitality Location 3 Value 3 buy a collector mug then sweet tea refills for a buck hit the spot. (See Paul H. Picture) Swamp cabbage pics are also on IG, twitter #swapcabbagefest #swampage 12/2015

This year was the 28th annual Pelican Island Wildlife Festival. The festival is held from 10:00 AM…read more- 4:00 PM in Riverview Park in Sebastian to commemorate the birthday of the refuge on March 14, 1903. Pelican National Wildlife refuge was created by one man's determination to protect the birds he loved. Paul Kroegel was a German immigrant and Sebastian resident and conservationist. He arrived in Sebastian in 1881 and homesteaded on the west bank of the Indian River across from Pelican Island. As he watched the birds on the island he fell in love with them and became increasingly disturbed by the hunters killing them. He took to protecting the birds by guarding them with his shotgun during a time when they had no lawful protection. Paul enlisted the help of the American Ornithologists Union and the Florida Audubon Society to help protect the birds. They joined together to pass legislation for protection of non-game birds. The Florida Audubon Society hired Paul Kroegel along with three other wardens to protect the birds from plume hunters and the sports hunters who would shoot at the birds while passing by on boats. During the time Paul served, two of the other wardens were murdered. Naturalist Frank Chapman and his fellow advocate, William Dutcher went to Theodore Roosevelts New York home to plead their case for the protection of the birds. In response President Roosevelt made Pelican Island the first National Wildlife Refuge in 1903. Paul Kroegel was hired as the first national wildlife refuge manager. He passed away in 1948. Since then the land was threatened in the 1960's developers attempted to buy the surrounding wetlands but local citizens stopped them. The Indian River Area Preservation League made up of local citrus growers, commercial fishermen, and sportsmen, joined with the Florida Audubon Society to convince the State to include the islands as a part of the refuge. In 1963, Pelican Island was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior. Since then the refuge has gained over 500 more acres to help protect it from encroachment by development. There is a large parking lot with free parking adjacent to the park. Entrance to the festival is free. The event has live wildlife shows, food, environmental exhibitors, arts & crafts, a rehabilitated pelican release, raffle, amateur photography contest, native plant sale, educational presentations, historical reenactments with President Theodore Rossevelt, and for a fee boat tours to Pelican Island. I specially loved seeing all of the birds brought by the Treasure Coat Wildlife Center. Sadly because of their injuries, these birds can't be released into the wild and I was happy to donate to them. President Roosevelt is the Master of Ceremonies and is portrayed by Theodore Roosevelt interpreter, Joe Wiegand. He gave a wonderful presentation that taught about the history of Pelican Island and his efforts to protect its birds as well as other events in the life of President Roosevelt. The 2020 Pelican Island Wildlife Festival celebrated the 117th anniversary of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Reserve. The event is hosted by the Pelican Island Preservation Society and the City of Sebastian. It is a fantastic way to bring awareness to the refuge. Even though the festival is only held one day a year, you can visit the refuge 365 days a year.

So much to stuff to do, see, hear, purchase and eat! I loved…read moreit here :) Pricing over average; I feel like if vendors brought it down just $5 they'd sell waaaay more :/ Fun for all: it's been a beautiful day, hanging with beautiful people, enjoyed a great vibe :D Thanks Port Salerno Seafood Festival!!!! You can trust me; I'm happy ;D

This is a little out of the way for us, but my husband won tickets so we decided it was worth the…read moredrive. We went early, and had no problem with parking. They had different lots set up with free trolleys which ended up being very quick and easy. When we got there, I was struck by the size. I really didn't expect it to be as large as it was. They had a kids area, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, and of course seafood. Fried clams, fish and chips, ceviche, seared tuna, grilled mahi mahi, oysters, calmari, you name it. The only thing I didn't like was that you had to buy tickets. Most items ranged from four to seven tickets, including alcohol. The portion sizes on most items were pretty good. If you simply went to sample everything, you would paying a lot, though. I kind of wish they would offer a smallish sample sized portions for less tickets. For non seafood people, they had hamburger and hot dog options, as well as the regular fair food like funnel cakes and ice cream. It started to become pretty crowded as we were leaving, so I would suggest to go early. We had a great time, and it was definitely worth driving out of our way for.

The Arts festival this year was held closer to the Library. So the location which used to be…read morecloser to the railroad tracks and the beach had moved inland a few blocks. The variety of artwork presented, the types of art shown, and the various raw materials used made this festival a huge success. I find the venue also roomy and wide, allowing for easy pedestrian traffic. I bought a nice piece depicting sandpipers on the beach and I love the piece. Great artists from all over the world, although most of them from the US. There were some food trucks right in the heart of the festival selling arepas for $8, sausages for $14 and lemonade for just under $10.....sit down restaurants, coffee shops and pizza places were also nearby for those wanting a bite to eat.

It is always fun to stroll a free art festival and Delray Beach has a a lot of them. This was the…read more21st Annual Downtown Delray Beach Art Festival held at 401 E Atlantic Avenue. The entrance begins at E Atlantic Avenue and NE 4th Ave. and proceeds north for two full blocks. The art is set up in tents on the closed off street. You can get free parking at the I-Pic garage and walk the block over. The event attracted over 100 exhibitors showcasing hand created art works which included glass, photography, paint, mixed media, jewelry, metal, wood, and textiles. My favorite art in the festival were the colorful dog paintings, the pictures made out of colored pencils, anything with mermaid s and flamingos, and the whimsical mailboxes. The weather was gorgeous and I always love visiting Delray Beach. There are a ton of great places to eat and drink steps away from the fair on Atlantic Avenue. If you missed this art fair, there will be another one held on January 15th at SE 5th St over the Intracoastal and extending on to A1A. Nothing beats enjoying beautiful weather at art fairs in January in Florida.

This year was the 50th anniversary of the Bloomin' Arts Festival. The shows name comes from the…read morecolorful azaIeas blooming throughout town. There are flowers that top all of the street signs adding to the blooming theme. I always wanted to explore Bartow and the festival gave me the perfect reason to finally come to town to check historic Bartow out. The festival is held the first weekend of March every year. Main Street is shut down and tents are set up along the street. The Bloomin' Arts Festival is staged by the Bartow Art Guild and run by volunteers. The show is juried and they offer awards totaling $12,000. It attracts artists from all over the country. Surrounding the festival is free attractions including an antique car show, Bloomin' Bike Ride, flower show, a quilt show at the free history museum located in the historic courthouse, student art show, kids art/face painting tent, Sunday afternoon Free Concert, and food trucks. Parking is free. It was drizzling while I visited the show but a little rain couldn't ruin the fun. The DJ had a sense of humor as he played every song you could think of that mentioned rain in it's lyrics. I enjoyed browsing the many tents filled with paintings, glass, sculpture, jewelry, leather, mixed media, photography,  wood, ceramics, fiber, and fine crafts. I also visited the museum and enjoyed shopping at the many cute and unique shops, many of which were offering specials sales to coincide with the show. There are so many great places to eat in addition to the food trucks. A tip I learned from visiting the festival is that they set up port a potties on the street but you can use the nearby and much more pleasant restrooms at the history museum. I loved my visit to this festival and Bartow has some beautiful architecture. I adore Old Florida towns. If you missed the art festival they stage an annual sidewalk chalk festival in October.