Close WindowThe Zerbini Family Circus sponsored by The Gilchrist County Character Council Friday, Nov.4th - 7 pm Saturday, November 5th - 2pm and 6 pm. FFA Alumni Arena, Gates open 1 hour before show. Advance tickets $10 age 13 up, Gate $15 . For advance tickets call: 463-8663.
Monster Bow Contest � 2011 Zone C (11/5/11 � 1/22/12) Hunting Season$25 registration for every buck entered. All proceeds will be donated to Haven Hospice of Chiefland. Prizes First Prize 2011 Mathews Monster Bow. Second Prize is a Yeti Cooler. Third Prize is a $75 Gift Certificate to The Deer CampThe contest is being put on by The Deer Camp, 306 S. Main St., Chiefland. Call for rules and details 352-490-HUNT (4868).
The Levy County Fair Association invites you to Devil`s Den for an evening of foot stomping music, great food, and good old fashioned FUN. Join us on Saturday, November 12th from 7:00 to 11:00 PM. BubbaQues comes to Williston and one admission price gets you dinner, dancing to Southbound Band and one Bull Chip Square. If the bull chooses your square � you win $$. Tickets are available at Kloverleaf Tack and Western Wear in Williston, Bronson Ace Hardware and from any Fair board member. For more information call the Fair office at (352) 528-2516 or (352) 528-2658. Adults $25. Children $10.
Join the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge Ranger for a walk across one of the largest ancient mounds on the Gulf. The Ranger-led walk starts at the trailhead sign for Shell Mound. The six thousand year-old Shell Mound site was begun before the great pyramids of Egypt, before the creation of pottery, and before the complex spirituality of the later culture of the Crystal River mound complex, one hour south of the Refuge. Over the 3,000 years of construction, the people living here progressed and developed into what academia calls the Woodland Period culture.If you want to learn more about pre-Florida Indians than you ever did in school, get yourself to the Shell Mound Trailhead on CR 326, just off CR 347. Meet the Ranger at 11:00 AM for the hour program on November 17th
Otter Springs Park and Campground - Mid-Life Crisis and the Hot Flashes (Southern Rock band) Outdoor Concert - Saturday, November 19th - 7pm. $2 per person, Otter Springs campers are free. We have cabins and campsites still available; call us to make reservations soon! 352-463-0800
Open Drill Team CompetitionBlack Prong Equestrian Center450 SE CR337Bronson, FL 32621Grand Entry: 11:00 AM - Free to spectators! Concessions available. Bring your own chairs! Dogs must be leashed. Alcoholic beverages allowed only In designated areas. No abusive or unruly behavior permitted.Competitor Information: Registration Deadline: 10/15/11- Package online at address below. Call 352-225-1225 for more information.
The Inglis Yankeetown Lions Club presents its 30th annual Seafood Festival and Arts and Crafts show November 19th and 20th, 2011. For info call 352-505-7936 or email below.This year will be a special theme - Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Yankeetown filming of Elvis`s Follow That Dream.Yankeetown Lions Club schedule of evens.FRIDAY - November 18Film Showing at 6:30 PM - Follow That Dream Staring Elvis PresleyYankeetown Women`s ClubSATURDAY - November 199 AM - 3 PM Yankeetown Lion`s Club Seafood FestivalChris Diamond`s Elvis Show at Festival StageElvis Music and Fun at Ile`s at The Izaak Walton Lodge4 PM Dedication of Parkway Follow That Dream Hwy 40 WestSUNDAY - November 209 AM - 3 PM Yankeetown Lion`s Club Seafood FestivalChris Diamond`s Elvis Show at Festival StageElvis Music and Fun at Ile`s at The Izaak Walton LodgeDownload flyer here
Please Join Us on November 19, 2011 11am until 5pm for a Florida Highwayman Exhibit!RL Lewis, Jr. and his guest Artist ~ Curtis Arnett
November 20th is that time of year again when we hold our third annual Withlacoochee Rubber Duck Race. As in the past all donations go to the Ellie Schiller Education Center at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve.The process is ongoing and we need your continued support. Shortly we will conduct our annual giving campaign but in the meantime please join in our annual Duck Race at the Yankeetown Seafood Festival on November 20th and participate by buying a Duck for $5, a six quack $25, quackers dozen (13) for $50 or the whole flock (26) for $100. You can get all the information on the attached flyer or you can mail checks to WGP PO Box 482 Yankeetown Fl., or see myself or any Friend of the WGP and we will get your ducks registered to win the $300 prize or the Lazy Duck prize of $100.
To celebrate the living history of this beautiful first magnitude spring, Manatee Springs State Park, with the help of the park`s Citizens Support Organization - The Friends of Manatee Springs Parks, Inc, present Clay Landing Days featuring rides through the north trail system, where visitors will experience the lifestyle of early settlers and Seminole Indians. One of the rides is accessible to persons with disabilities with little or no assistance, including wheelchairs. Come join us on a fun ride and a journey into the past, where you will witness survival skills used by Native Americans and pioneers alike. Learn how they lived, what clothing they wore, how food was prepared over campfires and, if you master communication with them, you may even get to sample tasty morsels! Clay Landing Days activities are free with a paid park admission. For more information please call the park at 352-493-6072. The event will take place 10:00 am � 3:30 pm (Park closes at Sundown) Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26, 2011.
The Cedar Key Woman`s Club is preparing to hold their annual Fall Fair And Yard Sale on Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26, 2011, from 9 am to 2 pm at their clubhouse, the Yellow House, at 7391 S.R. 24.Featuring vendors and crafters with new gift items and a large yard sale. The snack bar will serve pulled pork plate and Granny`s Cupboard will offer canned pickles and jams and baked goods for that someone special. Vendors are welcome! Call 543-6837 for details and to reserve your space.
Terri DuLong will be doing a book signing at the Chamber on Saturday November 26th from 1-3 pm. We will have copies of her two books, `Casting About`, `Spinning Forward` and her latest book taking place in Cedar Key called `Sunrise on Cedar Key`.
(352) 493-2801
Close Window(352) 493-2801
The 2011 Chiefland Christmas Festival and Parade will be held Saturday December 3rd in downtown Chiefland at the historic train depot, Trailhead Park and the surrounding area on US Highway 19 South.The Festival will begin at 10:00 A.M. with arts and crafts, music and activities for children. The lighted parade theme `Winter Wonderland` starts at 6:00 P.M. followed by the evening celebration that includes the lighting ceremony, caroling and visits with Santa.
Starts at 4 pm.Is affordable, accessible care important to you? What is a Medical Home? What are the financial limitations of the community? Are top quality comprehensive services and leadership available in Gilchrist County?Come and get answers - bring your questions - be a part of this healthcare focus group! Light refreshments will be served - open to the public.
(352) 528-5552
(352) 463-9089
Saturday, December 10, from 10-3, Cedar Keys Light Station will be open for a bright holiday event: Holiday Light. There will be period-dress interpreters, refreshments, and holiday season photo opportunities. Special-value holiday prices will be offered by tour boats. Join us for this one time event!
Calling all plant enthusiasts. Come to a presentation about the ornamental and wild spiny and thorny plants in Levy County. A few spiny insects and caterpillars to watch out for are included. Most thorny plants have beautiful flowers, to invite the bee pollinators, but not large grazing animals.This entertaining and informative talk by botanist and author Linda Curtis is sponsored by The Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges.
The Goethe Challenge Endurance Ride will be held on December 17, 2011. The ride is sanctioned by AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference). This is an annual fund-raiser for trail enhancements in the Forest hosted by The Goethe Trail, Inc.
Close Window2nd Annual Acoustical Afternoon for the Arts Featuring Joe Peters and Friends, Linda Hicks and singer/songwriter duo Bishop-Davidson Watch as Susan Dauphinee paints a piece for the silent auction during the event. Sunday, January 15, 3-5 pm. Doors Open at 2:30. Island Room at the Cove, Cedar Key, FL. Appetizers and cash bar. Proceeds from the concert and silent auction support the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts planned for April 28 and 29, 2012. Tickets may be purchased from OFCA Committee Members (Kathy Fotteral, Allison Nelson, Chris For-, Kathy Carver and Bev Ringenberg 543-0362, beverlyring@bellsouth.net). For more information call Mandy Cassiano at 352-543-5400 or email artsfestival@bellsouth.net.
January`s Nature Walk featured playful otters!The next Nature Walk will be Monday March 5 at 8:00 AM.Meet at the parking lot at Shell Mound.
5:30pm. Trenton Elementary School. $27.00 per person. Tickets are available in the Chamber office. Reserved Tables $100 per table and are limited. Call Kyle for more information - 463-3467.
10:30 AMCome and learn about Florida Sandhill and Whooping Cranes from Marilyn Spalding. Since 1990 she has been involved in the effort to re-establish Whooping Cranes in Florida. The presentation is sponsored by the Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges.Sandhill Cranes, both resident and migratory in Florida, have provided useful information and techniques in the effort to re-establish Whooping Cranes, the world`s most endangered bird. This effort provided a unique opportunity to study the health of an entire population of Whooping Cranes in Florida. The presentation will cover some of the successes and failures of the project with special attention to habitat alterations and their consequences.
Marilyn Spalding, who has been working on the re-introduction of whooping cranes to Florida for more than a decade, will share her experiences.
10:00 AMMeet at the Dennis Creek Trail (near Shell Mound)Free and Open to the Public.Photographer Michelle Pearson will lead a Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys NWRs Photo Walk on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 10:00 AM.During the walks/trips, Michelle will suggest photo ops, as well as provide camera/photo skills assistance.
The Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges are hosting a community discussion at the Cedar Key Public Library on Thursday, January 26 at 5:00 PM. Recently the Refuges gained a new Manager, Deputy Manager, and a new Wildlife Officer. The community of Cedar Key will have an opportunity to learn of the Refuge`s current and planned programs and projects, and interact with members of the staff representing the various programs. Refuge programs that will be presented include visitor services and recreational activities, forestry and habitat restoration, prescribed fire management, law enforcement, education, landscape conservation, and community interactions. Please come and take part; everyone is welcome.The event is cosponsored by the Friends of Library and the Friends of the Refuges.For more information, please contact The Refuge at 352/493-0238, extension 223.
The Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge`s new managers and other staff will meet with the community to discuss the Refuge programs and plans.All are cordially welcome to attend this event co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Friends of the Refuges.
The Tin Can Tourists (vintage RVs) are again coming to the Sunset Isle RV Resort in Cedar Key. The event and the RVs will be open to the public Saturday, January 28th.
The 12th Annual STARS Gala is planned for January 28, 2012 at Chiefland Elementary School. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the Program will begin at 6:00 pm. This year we will be serving dinner prepared by a variety of wonderful restaurants across the county. We will,as always, have students from across the county bringing us entertainment throughout the evening. Students are enrolled at Williston High School, Cedar Key School, Chiefland High School, and Chiefland Middle School, along with our JROTC. There will also be a Silent Auction and lots of Door Prizes. The deadline to RSVP is this Friday, January 20th. Please see the attached invitation for more details. The tickets are $50 per person, or Sponsorship Levels: Gold Sponsor-$1000 includes 8 tickets, Silver Sponsor-$500 includes 4 tickets, and Bronze Sponsor-$250 includes 2 tickets. Door Prizes are also needed. For tickets or to donate Door Prizes contact Angela at the Foundation office or Tami Wain at the SBLC district office. The Foundation is selling tickets for a drawing for $800 Credit with Carnival Cruise Lines, to be used at the winner`s discretion. Tickets are $10 each, and there are only 300 tickets being sold. Tickets can be purchased from any Foundation board member or by contacting Angela at the LCSF office.
The College of Central Florida Levy Center and SCORE Gainesville, counselors to America`s small business, have joined forces to present Simple Steps to Starting Your Business.This free introductory workshop will be held on Monday, Jan. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. The focus is on testing your business idea and identifying the key factors that influence start-up success. This workshop will provide an overview of the skills and tools needed when deciding to start a business. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business, the most profitable form for your business, and the fundamentals of formation, organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources. At the conclusion, participants may sign up for additional business planning and mentoring sessions for a modest fee.Participants must register in advance to attend this free session. Register in person at the Levy Center, 114 Rodgers Blvd., Chiefland, or online(select Levy noncredit classes). For more information call 352-493-9533.
Pure Water Wilderness Event Calendar
Scroll up for previous 3 months - Current events are below
Close WindowManatee Springs State Park will host an evening moonlight paddle event once a month on the Suwannee River beginning October 7, 2011 through April 6, 2012, excluding January.
Participants will learn about the history of the river while enjoying the beautiful scenery by moonlight. The park`s Citizen Support Organization will provide a short program following the moonlight paddle. Light refreshments will be served.
To reserve a rental canoe/kayak for $15.00 through Suwannee guides and outfitters, call 352-542-8331. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring bottled water, a flash light and whistle. Children under the age of six and pets are not allowed due to safety.
February 3, 2012 @ 5:45 pm
March 9, 2012 @ 6 pm
April 6, 2012 @ 6:30 pm
Participation Requirements
Fees: Park entrance fees of $6.00 per carload of up to eight people will apply.
Contact: For more information, call 352-493-6072.
Friends member and butterfly enthusiast Barbara Woodmansee will be the presenter.
Saturday, February 11 at 10:30 AM
Cedar Key Public Library
The Chiefland Star Party Group is presenting a telescopic view of the stars and planets at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, 1001 Old Rock Road, Yankeetown. There is no entrance fee. The program will take place near the Ellie Schiller Education Center. It will begin with a laser show of the Winter Constellations. Several large telescopes will be available for viewing including the largest `GoTo` Scope in the Southeast. The late rising moon gives little night light interference for better stargazing conditions. The preserve has very low artificial lighting, which adds to the experience and is hard to find in our electrified environment. For your safety, we recommend arriving before sunset (6:00 pm) to sign in. Bring a flashlight and bug spray. In case of cloud cover, a slideshow program will take place at the Education Center. We will see you at the WGP rain or star shine! This event is another Friends of the WGP presentation.
1:00 p.m., at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, 1001 Old Rock Road, Yankeetown, Olivia Bailey, Biologist from Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, will give a presentation on Whooping Cranes. Her talk will include natural history and facts covering the wild population and early conservation efforts. Olivia will describe the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership and the current reintroduction efforts taking place. Olivia earned a Biology degree from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. She has spent time in the mountains of Nicaragua banding Neotropical migrant birds. She spent three years interning at the Carolina Raptor Center in the rehabilitation department and has spent time as a research technician banding and taking blood samples from migratory songbirds. Join us for a free and interesting afternoon at the WGP. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the WGP.
Amateur astronomers are coming to town and bringing their high-powered telescopes for a week long stargazing event and Cedar Key is one of the few places in the nation with skies dark enough to host. This is a Public Education Astronomy Program given by volunteers. Activities are designed to stimulate interest in astronomy and to educate the public about advantages of protecting the night sky from light pollution.
Most of the activities are in the Cedar Key Museum State Park at 12231 SW 166 Court. The events hosted by the State Parks will be:
2/20 - evening event at Cedar Key Museum
2/22 - stargazing hayrides at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
2/24 - evening event at Cedar Key Museum
Enjoy a Ranger and Astronomer guided hayride on the 22nd through Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve for a night time glimpse of this natural area, including binocular stargazing and interpretation. There will be two hayrides, 7:00pm and 8:15 pm. Reservations are required and space is limited. This event is free.
The Bronson Annual African American Festival is slated for Feb. 18 (a Saturday) and participants are being sought.
The event will be from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 66 S. Main St., in front on the Levy County Public Health Department building in Bronson.
The organizers note that they would love to have any choir, groups, duets, solo performers, readings, mimes and dancers. There will be food, fun and games, and vendors.
Anyone who would like to participate in any way, including as a vendor, is asked to please contact the organizers by Jan. 31. The price for all vendors will be $25. For more information, please call one of the following people: Beatrice Mongo (352)-642-2603; Lillian McClendon (352)-486-6077; Mary Joe Edmondson (352)-486-2605 or (352)-221-5285 cell; or Katherine Manuel (352)-486-2693.
2012 Children`s Summer Art Program Benefit Dinner
Sponsored by The Cedar Key Arts Center
Wed. February 22 - 6:00 pm Upstairs at the Art Center.
Three Course Gourmet Dinner Created by The Island Room. ($25/Person includes beverage, tax and tip). Raffle of Original Art and Other Fun Items. Please Call 543-6520 to Make reservations.
7 p.m. Trenton Elementary School. Advance tickets on sale until 2/17 - $15 donation - Contact Extension Office 463-3174
Join Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Dixie County Tourism Development Council (TDC) at an exciting workshop, Attracting Paddlers to the Hidden Coast. Discover why this region is a world-class paddling destination and learn how local communities and businesses can benefit from marketing to paddlers. Experts in sustainable tourism, grant development, promotional marketing and more, will share their expertise at this free workshop on Thursday, Feb 23rd , from 9 a.m. � 4 p.m. at the Community Center in the town of Suwannee. Contact: Liz Sparks/FWC � 850-922-6160.
The Florida Master Naturalist Program
The Coastal Systems Module of this popular IFAS program will be offered at the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory in Cedar Key starting February 28.
Close WindowSalute to Wildlife: Suwannee Refuge
In March the Cedar Key Arts Center will also be celebrating wildlife and the Suwannee Refuge through its community exhibit. See the Call for Art at the Cedar Key arts Center website.
Fundraiser To Benefit The Levy Association of Retarded Citizens.
Saturday, March 3rd 2012 From 8:00am to 3:00pm the fun is at the City of Williston Airport 1800 SW 19 Ave.
Then the fun cruises into downtown Williston Heritage Park from 3pm to 8pm for food and fun with local Williston area businesses and live music from the band Old Skool.
Suwannee River Youth Livestock Show.
For over 50 years, the mission of the Suwannee River Fair, Inc. have been maintained and carried out by non-paid volunteers including citizen directors, parents, FFA Advisors, University of Florida County Extension Agents, and 4-H Leaders.
See the website for schedule and details.
The Suwannee Valley Quilt and Old Time Craft Festival will be Saturday, March 10th, 2012 in celebration of National Quilt Month. Celebrate America`s heritage with hundreds of quilts and handmade crafts displayed in a wide variety of historic buildings centered around Trenton`s turn of the century railroad depot and unique downtown.
Close Window10AM - 4PM, Main Street. Live band, parade at 10:30AM. Vendor spaces $15 - call Patty 352-498-2662 to reserve.
4/28-29/2012 / (352) 543-5400
Parade 11AM. Arts and crafts vendors, Kid`s Corner, mullet toss, live music all day, lots of fresh stone crabs and other seafood.
Close WindowThe 28th Cedar Key small boat meet will be Saturday and Sunday, May 5th and 6th, 2012, the first full weekend in May. It is completely informal. Tides and weather are still the only organization. There are no planned events, signups, or fees. See the website for more detail.
Held to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Close WindowThe Tour de Melon is a family trail ride and a century ride on an area highway route sponsored by the Suwannee Valley Rotary Club. The ride takes place each year in Chiefland, Florida where you`ll see a fading part of Florida history. Join us on Saturday, June 2, 2012, 7:30 a.m. starting time, for an unforgettable ride through rural America. Enjoy the beautiful scenery with broad areas of ranches, crop land and nature; the camaraderie of hundreds of other cyclists, and delicious fresh sweet watermelon! Proceeds from this ride benefit national and local charities.
Close Window9:00 AM until 5:00 PM each day. This major event features well over 200 arts and crafts exhibits, and great local seafood in City Park. There will be live musical entertainment at several places around town during the days and nights, and a parade on Saturday morning. See the website for more detail and photos.