by Adele Woodyard
This week’s blog features some of the many inexpensive events Florida State Parks are offering around the state thoughout the month . Whether your interest lies in birds, music, living history, battlefields or sailing, you’ll find it here. If not, click http://www.floridastateparks.org
Feb. 4: 3rd Annual Scrub Jay Festival , Oscar Scherer, Osprey, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. you can take a tram tour through the rare scrub jay habitat; enjoy music, environmental exhibits, arts and crafts for kids .for FREE. Wallet time if you want to grab a bite to eat. 861-386-6094.
Feb. 9-12: Fort Foster Rendezvous, Hillsborough River, Thonotosassa. Public welcome during school days (2/10-11) but battle reenactment 2/11 and/12. Skirmish when Seminole Indians try to burn bridge to reach fort takes place after 1 p.m. $5 donation ages 13 and over. No charge to enter the Park; volunteers show where to park. 813-987-6870.
Feb. 10-12: Civil War Heritage Days, Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Re-enactors portray military and civilian life during the 1860s. Sea battles. blockade, land skirmishes and artillery demos add to the action. Free with park admission: $6 per carload (up to 8 people) 305-292-6850
Feb. 11: Flight To Freedom, Fort Mose, St. Augustine 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Living history that includes Colonial and Spanish military drills, musket and cannon demos, African-American drumming. Exhibits and food are on the quiet side. Free with $4 park admission.904-461-2033.
Feb. 11-12: 5th Annual Jammin’ in the Hammock Bluegrass Festival, Collier-Seminole, Naples. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Bring chairs and tap your feet to six bands; arts and crafts, food vendors .and a shuttle from parking to site add to the mix. $15 adult, Free ages 13 and under 239-394-3397. For more information: http://www.friendsofcollierseminolestatepark.com .
Feb. 17-19: Olustee Battle, Olustee Battlefield, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to live the largest Florida battle of the Civil War. That on Feb. 20, 1864 the Confederates won. Today over 2000 re-enactors fight it out at 3:30 Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. In between there are medical demos , period music concerts and more. $7 adult, $3 over age 5. 1-877-635-3655.
Feb. 24-25: 3rd Annual Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival, Ochlockonee River, Sopchoppy; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Be a caveman for a day (but dress warmly) as you learn old-time skills. Demos of primitive tools, weapons, tanning deer hides, and carving bone, wood, antlers and more. Free with $4 per carload admission to park. 850-962-2771.
Feb. 25: Washington Birthday Regatta, The Barnacle, Coconut Grove; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. attracts sailors .The fun race is open to traditional vessels such as mud hens, sea pearls, Bahama dinghies, cat boats, gaff- rigs and others. Skippers meet 10:30 and take to the water at noon. Awards and chowder dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. $25 entry fee. 305-442-6866
Last Chance: Saturday, Jan. 28, GASPARILLA, Tampa. Invasion, Pirate parade, fests and fireworks All FREE.
