Falling for Festivals

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OCT’13
ocalastyle.com
Autumn
is
officially
in
the
air.
It’s time to put
away the water wings and bathing suits and savor the flavor of all
the fall season has to offer. To make it easy to plan your season, we’ve
compiled a list of festivals, both near and far. Ever wonder how those
tricky corn mazes come to be? We have a little of that, too! And when
all that festival-going makes you hungry (and it will), we’ve got some
autumn-inspired treat ideas to make at home.
BY BONNIE KRETCHIK AND KATIE MCPHERSON
Festivals Near…
Looking for some festival fun close by? Check out these local events.
Round Up The Rattlers
RATTLESNAKE AND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
SAN ANTONIO (YES, IT’S IN
FLORIDA!) / OCT. 19
The Town That Time Forgot
MICANOPY HARVEST
FESTIVAL
MICANOPY / OCT. 26-27
Known as the “Town That Time
Forgot,” this quaint village is the ideal
venue for an arts and crafts show.
The quiet street Cholokka Boulevard
will be bustling with activity as
artists make their way to the area to
showcase a variety of works. There
will be over 200 displays as well as
a main stage with live music, not to
mention an “old-time” auction on
Saturday afternoon.
MICANOPYFALLFESTIVAL.ORG
OR (352) 494-3630.
Before you count out this snake
extravaganza, read on. This
47th annual festival features two
stages of live music all day long, a
5-mile foot race, demonstrations
by “Cowboy Tom” and others,
children’s activities, arts and
crafts, vendors and plenty of food,
including a pancake breakfast. Car
enthusiasts stick around for the
classic car show on Sunday. And
don’t worry about parking because
free shuttles will be available
throughout the day. Best yet,
admission is free!
festival features over 280 arts,
crafts and antique vendors from
around the country as well as live
music throughout the festival, food,
activities and more. Curious how
to weave a basket? There will also
be plenty of craft demonstrations
taking place. Admission is free, and
the festival runs from 8am-5pm.
them their finest works. There are
also fine food concessions from area
restaurants, children’s activities,
school art exhibits that highlight
up-and-coming area talent and
more. Admission is free, and the
festival will run 10am-5pm daily.
(352) 867-0355 OR FAFO.ORG.
Downtown In Dora
FRIENDSOFMCINTOSH.ORG OR
(352) 591-4038.
MOUNT DORA
CRAFT FAIR
Ocala’s Main Event
MOUNT DORA / OCT. 26-27
The historic town of Mount Dora
will play host to over 350 artisans
during their 29th annual craft fair.
A normally tranquil town, the
streets are expected to host over
350,000 visitors over the course of
this two-day festival. Along with
OCALA ARTS FESTIVAL
OCALA / OCT. 26-27
A staple among art-lovers in the
community, the Ocala Arts Festival
will take place for the 46th time in
historic downtown Ocala. Over 200
artists will convene, bringing with
RATTLESNAKEFESTIVAL.COM OR
(352) 588-4444.
Vintage Festival Fun
MCINTOSH 1890S
FESTIVAL
MCINTOSH / OCT. 19
Step back in time during the
McIntosh 1890s festival. Set in
historic McIntosh, this one-day
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35
TELL US ABOUT THE CORN MAZE AND
FESTIVAL. We’re in our fifth year being open. This is a
family farm, and we have three generations working here to make
the maze happen. We’re not corporately owned. We like it because
it’s a way for people to come out and see what a real farm is like.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START? Back in
2000, we went to one in Jacksonville and I told my husband if
we ever moved back home to the farm I’d love to do a maze.
When we did move, I begged my dad, who thought I was
crazy, and after two years, he let me do it. We planned on
2,000 people to attend but had nearly 10,000.
HOW DO YOU PLAN A MAZE FROM
START TO FINISH? We plant the week of 4th of July.
Corn is a fast growing crop; it takes about 90 days to be ready.
PICKING THE
PERFECT PUMPKIN
Pumpkin patches are officially open
for business! Before heading out to the
farm, make sure to study proper
picking procedure so only the best
picks make the drive home.
» Pick a pumpkin »» Flip the pumpkin over and press
that feels firm
the bottom with a thumb. If
and heavy for
it gives, it’s not fresh. A green
its size and has
stem is another good sign the
a consistent
pumpkin was just harvested.
color all over.
»» Look for a flat-bottomed
» Check for
pumpkin so it will sit upright.
dents, splits
No tipsy pumpkins, please!
and soft spots
that could lead
to early spoilage.
36
OCT’13
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About a month before opening, we begin the cutting process. We design it
the old-fashioned way—graph paper and a pencil. Then go down and plot it
out using tapes and measuring wheels. We don’t use GPS or any technology.
It’s cut with our zero-turn radius mower.
WHAT ARE SOME MAZE DESIGNS YOU’VE HAD IN
THE PAST? The first few years we wrote out Coon Hollo, and then
the third year we added a raccoon face. This year we have a vintage carnival
theme so we’re having a tent shape with balloons and the raccoon face.
WHAT’S UP WITH THE NEW INTERACTIVE
TEXTING MAZE GAME? Yes, we’re so excited! This is not
for the faint of heart. There’ll be stations set up across the farm with
coordinates and clues. You take a picture to prove you’ve been there,
something interactive like pretending to be a farm animal. At the end,
you’ll get a little reward. It’ll get people up, out and moving.
DELIGHTFUL DECORATING TIPS
out a lid and remove the seeds to
»» Trace the family monogram or
make a vase for seasonal flowers.
house number onto the pumpkin
and tap in some thumb tacks
along the lines. It’s bright, shiny »» For a fall dinner party, purchase
and too easy to resist.
mini pumpkins to decorate the
table. Snap off the stems and place
tea candles in the depressions.
»» Kids will love making beloved
Covering them in glitter spray
characters come to life in pumpkin
paint will make them
form. A little paint
even more fabulous,
and some fabric
and they’ll catch each
for a cape can turn
others’ light nicely.
an average squash
into Superman. The
» Take advantage
shape of a pumpkin
of the chalkboard
really lends itself to a
paint trend and use
Minion, no?
it to cover an entire
pumpkin. Carving
»» Spray paint the
causes the pumpkin
entire pumpkin
to rot faster, but a
black and etch
designs in using a spoon handle. classy chalkboard paint job will help
We think an etched rendition of it last by sealing out the elements
oh so beautifully. Draw away with
Van Gogh’s Starry Night would
be appropriate. To turn this little no need to decide on just one
beauty into something more, cut design—this pumpkin can get a new
look anytime.
Corn © djgis; Pumpkin © Julia Zakharova / Shutterstock.com
CORN MAZE IN THE MAKING
Every year, 5 acres of the 400-acre Coon Hollo Farm are transformed into
one of the region’s most popular attractions. The Coon Hollo Corn Maze
draws folks of all ages, and while they celebrate maze-making the oldfashioned way, they’re incorporating some new technology this year. We
talked with maze designer Amy Perryman and got the inside scoop.
streets lined with art displays, there
will also be plenty of food vendors
and live entertainment.
MOUNTDORACRAFTFAIR.COM
OR (352) 735-1191.
Artsy Outdoors
DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL
AND ART SHOW
GAINESVILLE / NOV. 16-17
Every year, downtown Gainesville
becomes one massive art exhibit
lined with pieces by awardwinning artists. The Downtown
Shell Of A Good Time
GREAT AMERICAN
COOTER FEST
INVERNESS / OCT. 25-27
It all began with a small town fable
about a brave turtle named Cooter.
That tall tale spawned a festival
that has taken place for years with
no signs of stopping. Cooter is
the official mascot of the festival
named after him. He’s joined by
his fellow citizens for the Friday
night block party to kick off the
festival weekend. There will be
plenty of games, contests, vendors
and activities for guests of all ages
as well as tribute concerts to Bob
Seger, Bon Jovi and Journey. This
hometown festival has wide appeal
and is definitely worth the trip.
COOTERFESTIVAL.COM OR
(352) 726-2611.
Fall Finish Line
OCALA PUMPKIN RUN
OCALA / OCT. 25-27
Festival and Art Show draws a
crowd of more than 100,000 each
year. Impressive, right? Back for
its 32nd year, the streets will be
decked out in paintings, sculptures,
ceramics, jewelry, photography and
more created by 250 of the nation’s
best artists. Other arts of the
performing and culinary varieties
will be celebrated as well alongside
numerous crafts for kids to make
and take home.
GVLCULTURALAFFAIRS.ORG OR
(352) 393-8536.
The third annual Ocala Pumpkin
Run is bringing “horsepower to
horse country,” lining 400 acres
of farmland with thousands of
vehicles from all over the country.
Cars of all makes and models
will be bought and sold while
enthusiasts browse the rows of
vendors and sponsors ready to
interact with the guests. Local
bands will play their greatest hits
while special demonstrations take
place, including the Extreme Dyno
Challenge, Model Car Show and
more. There are also tons of free
activities for kids, so bring the
whole family along. For a bigger,
faster and louder fall festival, this is
the destination to check out.
OCALAPUMPKINRUN.COM OR
(352) 620-9998.
Come Sail Away
Fest For The Family
49TH ANNUAL CEDAR
KEY SEAFOOD
FESTIVAL
COON HOLLO
FALL FESTIVAL
MICANOPY / OCT. 4-NOV. 3
The farm that hosts this monthlong festival has been operated by
several generations of the same
family. There are almost too many
attractions here to count, but they
include hay rides, pasture putt
putt, tug of war and one of the
largest corn mazes in the area. No
matter your age this festival is fun
for the whole family. Coon Hollo is
open Friday through Sunday.
CEDAR KEY / OCT. 19-20
This annual event draws over 200
arts and crafts vendors as well as
live musical performers playing in
the streets day and night. But all of
that comes second to the famous
local seafood served in City Park.
If it swims, they’re serving it up
at this seafood festival, and it’s
guaranteed to be good. The festival
parade takes place on Saturday
morning followed by an open
lighthouse on Seahorse Key. This is
an opportunity for festival-goers to
explore the iconic lighthouse and
the beautiful island it calls home.
COONHOLLOCORNMAZE.COM
OR (352) 591-0441.
VISITCEDARKEY.COM OR
(352) 543-5600.
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37
If you don’t mind taking a drive, there are some great festivals around
the state. Here’s a round-up of some of the best Florida has to offer.
Downtown In Delray
19TH ANNUAL
DOWNTOWN
DELRAY BEACH
CRAFT FESTIVAL
A Cultural Culinary
Experience
EPCOT
INTERNATIONAL FOOD
AND WINE FESTIVAL
DELRAY BEACH / OCT. 5-6
ORLANDO / THROUGH NOV. 11
Known as “Florida’s Village By
The Sea,” downtown Delray Beach
is just seconds from the crystal
clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Hundreds of the nation’s most
talented artisans will line the
streets to sell handmade jewelry,
pottery, clothing and more. Spend
the weekend and visit all Delray
has to offer, such as the elegant
eateries and eclectic boutiques.
Admission is free, and the festival
runs 10am-5pm daily.
When else can you dine on
escargot and Sushi in the same
evening? This annual celebration of
ARTFESTIVAL.COM OR
(561) 746-6615.
BEER & BRATS
What type of fall festival guide
would this be if we didn’t talk about
Oktoberfest? The Munich-based festival
spans between 16 and 18 days and
attracts over 6 million visitors each year.
The annual event incorporates lots of
beer, food and entertainment. Tents
house different restaurants, breweries,
bakeries and more where visitors can
sample cuisine and, of course, taste a
multitude of brews.
food and wine presented by Epcot
Center lets you sample elegant
cuisine from around the globe in
a pristine setting that only Disney
knows how to do. Sign up for any
of the “Special Experiences” where
you can talk to celebrity chefs or
get a lesson in wine education. And
be sure to visit the demonstration
stations to learn the secrets of the
trade. Top the evening off with
one of the special “Sweet Events”
designed especially with your
sweet tooth in mind.
Daytona Beach for the 21st annual
Biketoberfest. Not only will there
be enough two-wheeled eye-candy
to keep bikers of all ages awed for
hours, but there will also be live
music, entertainment, great food
and lots of vendors.
DISNEYWORLD.DISNEY.GO.COM/
EVENTS OR (407) 939-5277.
FORT LAUDERDALE /
OCT. 18- NOV. 11
Bikes By The Beach
BIKETOBERFEST
DAYTONA BEACH / OCT. 17-20
Thousands of motorcycle
enthusiasts will be rolling through
OCT’13
ocalastyle.com
Head To The Fort For Films
FORT LAUDERDALE
INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL
If you’re serious about movies,
then this is one festival you have
to attend. The Fort Lauderdale
International Film Festival is a
“vacation away from ordinary film.”
Three venues will host a number
But just because you can’t make it to Germany doesn’t mean you can’t
partake in Oktoberfest celebrations. Thousands of cities across the globe
put on their own version of the world-famous festival. Check out some of
these Florida-based Oktoberfests.
AVALON PARK
OKTOBERFEST,
ORLANDO
28TH ANNUAL CAPE
CORAL OKTOBERFEST
OCTOBER 11-12
CAPCORALOKTOBERFEST.COM
OR (239) 283-1400
EVENTSATAVALONPARK.COM
OKTOBERFEST TAMPA
OCTOBER 18-20, 25-27
OCTOBER 11-13
TALLAHASSEE
OKTOBERFEST
OKTOBERFESTTAMPA.COM
OCTOBER 25
TALLAHASSEEDOWNTOWN.COM
TOP OF THE BAY
OKTOBERFEST, TAMPA
OCTOBER 18-20
UTBCHAMBER.COM OR
(813) 855-4233
38
BIKETOBERFEST.ORG OR
(386) 255-0415.
Beer © Boule; Bratwurst © Nils Z; Turkey © Piyato; Hand © ILYA AKINSHIN / Shutterstock.com; Epcot © Matt Stroshane
And Festivals Far…
EAT UP: YOUR FALL
FESTIVAL FOOD GUIDE
Let’s face it, hayrides and pumpkin
patches are nice, but the real reason
most of us make our way to a fall
festival is for the food! At a time
when you’ve had just about as much
watermelon and lemonade as you can
stand, the cooler weather ushers in a
whole new season of flavors. On your
travels these next few weeks, be sure to
try some of these fall festival staples.
of film genres over the course of
the festival, featuring everything
from clips and shorts to full-length
features. And while you’re not
attending a show, check out the
number of events, parties and galas
taking place throughout the festival.
FLIFF.COM OR (954) 525-3456.
Paintings In The Park
40TH ANNUAL WINTER
PARK AUTUMN
ART FESTIVAL
WINTER PARK / OCT. 12-13
A short drive south will bring you
to downtown Winter Park where
boutique shops and unique eateries
line the streets. For 40 years, this
historic town has held a juried art
show exclusively catered to Florida
artists. Along with the sidewalk
displays of the highest-quality art
throughout Central Park, there’s
also a full entertainment line-up,
children’s activities, vendors, food
and more.
WINTERPARK.ORG OR
(407) 644-8281.
ALL THINGS APPLE
Although we don’t see much
of an apple-growing season in
Florida, this is the time of year
when apple-inspired cuisine is ripe
for the picking!
HANDHELD
HEROES
» » APPLE CIDER
At a festival, you’ll be
trekking around, so
handheld fare is the way to go.
» » CARAMEL OR CANDY APPLES
» » TURKEY LEGS
» » APPLE PIES AND FRITTERS
» » CORNDOGS
SPICE IT UP
» » GYROS
No, we’re not talking about cayenne pepper here. In most sweets
and treats this time of year you’ll
detect just a hint of cinnamon,
clove and ginger.
FABULOUS FRIED
FARE
Just about anything fried is downright delicious. These are a few of the
most popular.
» » SPICE CAKES, MUFFINS,
» » FUNNEL CAKES
BREADS AND DOUGHNUTS
» » SPICED CIDERS
» » OREO COOKIES
» » GINGERSNAP COOKIES
» » ZUCCHINIS AND PICKLES
Music Takes F light
RIVERHAWK
MUSIC FESTIVAL
BROOKSVILLE / NOV. 7-10
If music halls just aren’t your thing
and you’re a nature-lover at heart,
then the Riverhawk Music Festival
is just the ticket. Held at the
Sertoma Ranch, this four-day-long
outdoor concert features local,
regional and national talent on
four different stages. There are also
workshops available, vendors and
plenty of fun stuff for the whole
family. And if one day just isn’t
enough, bring your camping gear
and spend the weekend.
Greek here, it’s because we are! The
Greek Festival in St. Augustine is one
of the premier events of the city. Visit
the bakaliko (marketplace) to pick
up your authentic Greek groceries
and the Taverna to sample some
Greek wine and beer. There will also
be Greek dancers, music, a family
5K run, Greek-inspired Zumba and
more. Admission is $3 for adults and
free for kids under 12.
LINDENTERTAINMENT.COM OR
(863) 984-8445.
It’s All Greek To Me
16TH ANNUAL
GREEK FESTIVAL
ST. AUGUSTINE / OCT. 11-13
One of St. Augustine’s largest annual
events features togas, a bakaliko and
an agora. If you think we’re speaking
STAUGGREEKFEST.COM OR
(904) 829-0504.
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39
Perfect Pickin’
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
SARASOTA / OCT. 25-27
There’s nothing quite like a trip to
the pumpkin patch in October. But
Sarasota takes pumpkin picking to
the next level! Over 35,000 visitors
are expected to attend the fifth
annual Pumpkin Festival held at
Payne Park. This family-friendly
event features all the traditional fall
festival activities as well as a costume
parade, pie-eating contest, carnival
rides, a not-so-scary haunted house
and over 100 free shows to attend
throughout the weekend.
SARASOTAPUMPKINFESTIVAL.COM
OR (941) 706-3102.
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OCT’13
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Lobster © Menna / Shutterstock.com; Magic Kingdom© Gene Duncan
THRILLS
& CHILLS
For those
adventure
seekers who
have a haunting
feeling that
there’s something
not quite right
about the theme
parks come
October, you’re
eerily correct.
On select nights
this fall, see
a different,
somewhat
spookier side to
your favorite
family hotspots.
BRICK-OR-TREAT AT LEGOLAND
Head down the brick-or-treat road in search of spooks…
and candy! Come see the world’s largest LEGO Jack-OLantern, and build your own LEGO creation.
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER
FLORIDA.LEGOLAND.COM.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR AT
SEAWORLD
Despite the name, this not-so-spooky event is fun for
kids of all ages and features music, games, activities
and, of course, treats!
SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER
SEAWORLDPARKS.COM.
HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS AT
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Complete with haunted mazes and surprises around
every corner, this eerie event is not for the faint of heart.
SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH NOVEMBER 2
HALLOWEENHORRORNIGHTS.COM .
MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY
HALLOWEEN PARTY AT THE MAGIC
KINGDOM
For those looking for less of a thrill, this familyfriendly event features Mickey and all his friends
waiting with a boatload of Disney treats.
SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH NOVEMBER 2
DISNEYWORLD.DISNEY.GO.COM.
THE LAST STOP CARNIVAL
Haunted houses, scare zones and scary characters
roaming the park await only the bravest of visitors who
dare to enter.
The all-new Last Stop Carnival makes its way to Ocala
this year. Located at Wayne’s World of Paintball, this
all-too-eerie event features a whole crew of creepy
characters popping out of all corners. While the event
is not suitable for children under 13, there is a kidfriendly day on October 14 for the youngsters.
SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH OCTOBER 26
SEAWORLDPARKS.COM.
SELECT NIGHTS THROUGH NOVEMBER 2
THELASTSTOPCARNIVAL.COM.
HOWL-O-SCREAM AT BUSCH
GARDENS TAMPA
The Treasures Of
The Sea(Food!)
FLORIDA SEAFOOD
FESTIVAL
APALACHICOLA / NOV. 1-2
If you can’t get enough shrimp,
clams and squid, then this is
the festival for you! The Florida
Seafood Festival celebrates 50 years
this fall. Held at the mouth of the
Apalachicola River, you’ll do more
at this seafood-inspired festival than
just eat (though you’ll do plenty
of that, too). There’s also an oyster
shucking contest, 5K run, arts and
craft vendors, blue crab races, a
carnival, fireworks and much more.
FLORIDASEAFOODFESTIVAL.COM
OR (850) 653-4720.
Fishin’ For Art
HOMOSASSA
SEAFOOD FEST
HOMOSASSA / NOV. 9-10
The art and seafood worlds
collide at this annual event.
Both judged and nonjudged art shows bring
exhibitors from all over
the country to the historic
downtown of Homosassa.
Browse through the
artists’ collections, and
sample some outstanding
seafood creations.
HOMOSASSASEAFOODFEST.
COM OR (813) 671-7655.