Close WindowFriends member and butterfly enthusiast Barbara Woodmansee will be the presenter.Saturday, February 11 at 10:30 AMCedar 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.
The Steinhatchee River Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 4th Annual Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival. The Festival will be held February 17, 18 and 19, 2012 at the Steinhatchee Community Center, which overlooks the beautiful Steinhatchee River.
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 Museum2/22 - stargazing hayrides at Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve2/24 - evening event at Cedar Key MuseumEnjoy 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 DinnerSponsored by The Cedar Key Arts CenterWed. 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.
All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. $5.00 to enter Chili or eat Lunch. Bring your Chili to the Gilchrist County Sheriff`s Office between 9:30 - 11:00 on Friday Feb 24th. Judging will be at 11:00. For more information call 463-3410.
The Florida Master Naturalist ProgramThe 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.
On Wednesday, February 29, at 2:00 p.m., Pam Darty, US Fish and Wildlife Ranger, will present a program at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, 1001 Old Rock Road, Yankeetown. Pam will give an overview of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges. She will discuss the importance of pollinating bees to these areas. Come early and enjoy a walk on one of the WGP`s scenic trails or enjoy a picnic lunch.
Close WindowSalute to Wildlife: Suwannee RefugeIn 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 Florida Department of Environmental Protection`s Manatee Springs State Park will host a moonlight paddle event on the Suwannee River on Friday March 9th, 2012.Participants will learn about the history of the river while enjoying the beautiful scenery by moonlight. The 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. Park entrance fees will apply.
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.
Winding River Park on Riverside Drive in Yankeetown will be the launch site at 10am for an exciting paddle downriver to find clues and answer questions. The approximate 4 mile round trip will turn around at Bennett`s Creek, end back at the park and has a 2 hour time limit. The individual with the most correct answers will be the winner and prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Hosted by Withlacoochee Area Residents, Inc., all proceeds will help fund the efforts of the organization to protect and preserve Florida`s Nature Coast and its water sources for the benefit of everyone. Registration fees received before March 17th are $25.00 per person. After March 17th registration will be $30.00 per person and will be at the launch site only (9:00am-9:30am). These fees include entry, hat, (guaranteed only for pre-registration), fruit, water and homemade lunch.Call Jack Schofield at 352-447-6152 or Jenny McCarthy at 352-447-2199.
The Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys NWRs and the Refuge Open House will be Saturday, March 24 from 10:00 to 4:00 at the refuge headquarters, off Route 347. Activities will include a huge silent auction, nature walks, mini-workshops on a variety of wildlife topics, boat rides on the Suwannee, and a group paddle. Space is limited for the group paddle and you need to provide your own kayak or canoe. Send an email to sign up for it. Lunch is free for Friends members and $10 for others. You may join Friends or renew your membership for 2012 at the door.
Close WindowAcross from the Horseman`s ParkS. Highway 41, Williston, FloridaRides, entertainment, food and art exhibition. See website for complete details.
Gilchrist County Education Foundation Wild Beast Feast - Friday April 13th 6-8pm at the Gilchrist County FFA Arena on US Hwy 129 between Bell and Trenton. Tickets available at: Gilchrist Courthouse, Gilchrist Journal, Chamber of Commerce and All Local Banks.
Ivan Vicente, Visitor Services Specialist at Chassahowitzka NWR Complex, will present a program on Manatees at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, 1001 Old Rock Road, Yankeetown, on Monday, April 16, at 10:00 a.m. This program is open to the public with no admission fee. Bring your lunch and enjoy walking the trails, climbing our 30-ft. observation tower, or relaxing in the nature coast at its best. Visit our website at withlacoocheegulfpreserve.com for directions and more things to do at the WGP.
The Friends of the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, Inc (FWGP) will hold their annual meeting on Thursday, April 19, at 7:00 pm at the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, 1001 Old Rock Road, Yankeetown. Election of Directors and Officers will take place by the membership. The meeting will include a presentation on the Friends activities and future goals. The public is welcome. Enjoy a spectacular view and sunset from the 30-ft observation tower. Visit our website for more Information about the FWGP at withlacoocheegulfpreserve.com.
10AM - 4PM, Main Street. Live band, parade at 10:30AM. Vendor spaces $15 - call Patty 352-498-2662 to reserve.
A fun, interactive way to learn about the variety of activities and resources available in the Tri-County area. Free park admission!! Free door prizes!! Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Call 463-0800 for more information.
A kayak or non-motorized watercraft fishing tournament. Anglers will target the waters of the Withlacoochee River and the Withlacoochee Bay off the coast of Yankeetown in a fun, conservation-oriented, catch-photo-release format. Fishing will begin at safe light on April 21. The mandatory Captain`s Meeting is Friday evening April 20th, at 7:00 pm . Captain`s bags will include free items from sponsors. There will be raffles, door prizes and more! A minimum of $200.00 will be awarded in each of the following categories: longest redfish, longest sea trout, longest redfish-sea trout slam. A picnic style dinner - Hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats and sides will be available at the Captain`s Meeting. Applications are available online. Registration can be by paper application mailed in or online registration and payment (via PayPal) is available. For additional information call 352-509-7936.
The Trenton Rotary Club presents it fourth annual inshore and offshore fishing tournament April 21st at the Suwannee Marina in the Town of Suwannee. Inshore prizes for Redfish and Speckled Trout and offshore prizes for Grouper, Cobia and Kingfish. Contact Charlie at 352-463-6613 X306, Damon at 352-215-4580 or Darryl at 352-463-3939 for more information. See the Trenton Rotary Club website for full details, entry form and rules.
Cycle on the Greenway Trail with the proceeds going to the Levy County Schools Foundation. Start at the Chiefland Shopping Center at 8am and cycle through Fanning Springs, on to Cross City or as far as you want.Register at website below.
Fanning Springs State Park will host a Scavenger hunt throughout the park for Earth Day 1-4pm. Park Ranger Howard Meyer will read a book by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings called The Secret River before the hunt begins. The reading will take place on the stage located in the park from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from there the hunt will begin. There will be prize for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place participants and everyone will receive a certificate of participation. Activities are free with a paid park admission of $6 per carload of up to eight people. For more information, please call the park at (352) 493-6072.
The City of Cedar Key will hold a public workshop on April 26th at 6PM at the Cedar Key Community Center to review and hear presentations from the University of Florida (UF) Marine Construction graduate students. All Cedar Key residents and businesses are invited and encouraged to attend. The UF students and faculty invite everyone to an early `meet and great` reception starting at 5PM April 26th at the Cedar Key Community Center.Earlier this year 2 teams of UF Marine Construction/Engineering students completing advanced graduate courses selected the Cedar Key Marina as a competitive design project. The City has provided historical information, studies, pictures, and public workshop findings to help guide the UF teams in their design efforts. The UF teams will present their ideas and suggestions on possible dredging techniques and improvements to the Cedar Key Marina.Everyone is invited to attend the early reception starting at 5PM to meet the UF teams and faculty, and the City Public Workshop will begin at 6PM.
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.
The race starts at the Waccasassa Bridge, 2 miles East of Otter Creek on SR 24. It finishes at US Hwy 19 at the Waccasassa Bridge, 6 mi. S. of Otter Creek and 9 mi. W. of BronsonFor more information and race form see website or contact us via email or telephone 352-486-2535
Pure Water Wilderness Event Calendar
Scroll up for previous 3 months - Current events are below
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.
The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge invites you to join the Refuge Ranger for the free Birds in Culture at Cedar Key Library on Thursday May 10th at 10:30 AM
Registration for the Gilchrist/Levy Relay for Life, a benefit for the American Cancer Society, starts at 6pm at the Trenton High School Track Friday, May 11th and the relay proceeds all night and ends Saturday, May 12th. Keep watching here for more details as they become available.
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.
Watermelon Festival
Watermelon Festival in Chiefland City Park and surrounding areas.
For more info on this event please contact the Chiefland Women`s Club at
352-493-7506.
Close WindowFireworks will be on the 4th at dusk. The winning Golf Cart ticket will be drawn at 8pm. There will be a few local organizations on site selling hot dogs etc. but no booths or such. The ever popular Mullet Toss will start about 6:30.
Family fun for everyone! Vendors, food/seafood and over an hour of fireworks shot off over the water from Fireworks Island. Vendors contact Dennis Buckley 352-498-5986
The fireworks Show in Suwannee will be held on Saturday, July 7th along with a day long street festival, followed by the Annual Independence Day Golf Cart Parade. Vendors will be set up at 11:00am. The parade will start at 5pm. The fireworks will be at dark, which is historically about 9:00pm.
The Light Station will have their open house on July 28th from 9-4.
Catch a tour boat from the city docks, rent a vessel, or take your own to Seahorse Key for a celebration of wildlife hosted by refuge staff. Enjoy the out of doors at the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, where wildlife comes first. If interested in a shuttle boat ride, please call either Tidewater Tours 543-9523 or Cedar Key Island Tours at 352-231-4435 for reservations.
Close WindowScare Crow City
Saturday, October 6th is when the Scarecrows will be put up on the grounds of the Chiefland Chamber of Commerce for all to view.
9:00 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.
Close WindowDetails coming