1/10/2009 - 1/11/2009
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Florida Manatee Festival in Crystal River
The Florida Manatee Festival, a two-day event, which takes place in downtown Crystal River along Citrus Avenue, will offer its visitors a variety of interests. In honor of the festival namesake, the endangered Manatee, the festival will even offer its visitors the opportunity to view the manatee in its own environment. Boat tours will be offered for a small charge and will take visitors out on the beautiful Kings Bay to witness this gentle giant in the captivating waters in which the manatee calls “home”.

The festival, which is sponsored by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Crystal River and the Rotary Club of Crystal River, will take place on January 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11th, 2009. Entrance fee is $2 for guests 12 and older.

The Manatee Festival promises a vast array of interests for its visitors. A Fine Art show will host over 60 exhibitors from around the United States, featuring items from watercolor artwork to breathtaking photography as well as sculptures, wood turning, stained glass and unique one of a kind handmade jewelry.

Live entertainment will be provided continuously during this two-day event. The 8th annual Jimmy Buffet sound-a-like contest will take place on Saturday and has proven to be an enticing bit of entertainment!

Children’s activities will be provided on the grounds of the Creative Playground, behind Crystal River’ City Hall and is hosted this year by Childhood Development Services. Great games, activities and education information anxiously await to keep your children (accompanied by an adult) entertained. There will also be a Rock Climbing Wall, bounce house, pony rides and much more.

The Rotary Club of Crystal River is working diligently at providing over 200 crafters to capture any interest needed by the festival viewers! Posters of the adorable manatee have been made by local students and will be on display in the Manatee Education area. Continuous movies will also be on display in the Manatee Education area which is now located down near the Manatee Boat Tours which will provide Manatee Education information to all visitors as well as Manatee Education booths designated to enhance the awareness on our endangered manatees. Don’t forget to bring out the entire family for an opportunity to take a Manatee Boat Tour on the beautiful King’s Bay! Not only will you get to view our county’s beautiful waterways, but you will get to view the endangered manatee in its natural environment and learn some interesting facts about these beautiful creatures.

Back by popular demand will be Kayak Tours, launched out at Hunter Springs Park, this is a great opportunity for educated kayakers to tour the beautiful waters of Kings Bay and witness the wildlife that Citrus County is known for. Also, there will be an extended Beer & Wine Garden located a short distance from the Boat Docks which will also host a live band as well as big screen televisions so you are sure to catch those weekend football games. Wine will be provided by a local winery here in Citrus County!

Volunteers and community sponsorship is also needed. We are also looking to add members to our committee! Please call Suzanne to find out how you can become a partner in this great event.

For more information, please contact the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce at 352.795.3149, 352.726.2801 or 352.628.2666

Manatee Festival Website


1/16/2009
ART CENTER THEATER PRESENTS -
Location: 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando, Florida

For information on show times, season tickets and "flex pass pricing" or any other questions you may have please call 352-746-7606 or visit the website Click Here


1/23/2009 - 1/25/2009
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tractor Pull
Bull Pen Pullers Tractor Pull

Held at the Citrus County Fair Grounds
3000 S Florida Ave
Inverness

Indoors: We pull rain or shine!

Weigh-In at 10:00 AM
Pull at 1:00 PM

Pull Costs: $15.00 per hook (all tractors)
Admission: $10.00 (Driver and children under 5 FREE)

Trophies awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each class!!!

Citrus County Fair Association
3600 South Florida Avenue
Inverness, Florida 34450
Phone:352-726-2993




1/26/2009
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lu, the Hippo's Birthday!
LU THE HIPPOPOTAMUS IS CELEBRATING HIS 48TH BIRTHDAY

On January 26, 2009 at 10:00AM!

This event will be held at the hippo exhibit at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park.

Admission to the park is required.
Admission cost is $9 for adults, and $5 for children (3-12).

Each year Lu's birthday is celebrated on a date near or on January 26th. Park Rangers present the hippo with a special birthday cake while visitors, staff and local school chidlren sing "Happy Birthday" to this popular park resident. School children enjoy a birthday treat.

For more information contact (352)628-5343.


1/30/2009
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Music on the Square
Come enjoy music on the square at the courthouse square in downtown Inverness.

Sponsored by Citrus Memorial Health System Women's Heart Program and the City of Inverness.

For more information call:
(352) 344-6952 or
(352) 726-3913