It’s Festival Time!
By Elaine Allen
As Spring tries to peep out of the snow and ice, festivals pop up like crocus around the South. Since I got an e-mail the other day about festivals around our area, I thought I’d check out a few. On Hilton Head Island, SC, there are a number of festivals going on.
If you hurry, you can experience the Gullah Celebration, running from February 1 -28. Or you can make plans to attend next year and learn about the rich heritage of the Gullah community on Hilton Head. There are arts exhibitions, food tastings, gospel music, and special presentations by African-American authors.
by Moody Groove via WikiMedia Commons
A presentation called The Island’s Story continues through March 31, on Tuesdays only, at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Other Coastal Discovery Museum events include the Honey Horn History Walk, Exploring Pinckney Island, Forts of Port Royal, and other programs throughout the year.
The Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest takes place March 1 – 7, with presentations and events relating to seafood around the island. It culminates on the 7th, from 11am – 7pm at Shelter Cove Community Park, where there will be seafood specialties as well as other delicious choices served by area restaurants and chefs. There’ll also be a Kids Zone, a silent auction, crab races, and live entertainment throughout the day and evening. This event is hosted by the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation and presented by forkandfun.com. Tickets may be purchased online or at the event.
by Guillaume Paumier via WikiMedia Commons
On March 1, there’s the 9th Annual Cooks & Books festival held from 11am to 2pm at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa. Restaurants from throughout the area come together to provide free samplings while local chefs go knife-to-knife in the “Heat is On” competition. You’ll also get to meet your favorite Lowcountry authors and purchase signed editions of their books. This event is presented by The Literacy Center. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.
And we can’t forget the 30th Annual Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, March 9 – 15. Featuring more than 500 wines, the festival features world-class vineyards, celebrity chefs and live entertainment. Various events are located around the Harbour Town Yacht Basin at Sea Pines Resort, with tickets available for each one. Wine auctions at the festival benefit the John T. and Valerie Curry Educational Scholarship Fund.
If Florida is more the direction you want to go, be sure to check in at the 80th Annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City from February 26 – March 8. You’ll enjoy luscious strawberry treats, concerts, rides, shows, exhibits, contests and other competitions.
by The Real Thummer via WikiMedia Commons
The Central Florida Fair is held February 26 – March 8, with livestock exhibits, creative arts exhibits, traditional rides and foods. There’s also the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair in North Fort Meyers from February 26 – March 8; the St. Lucie County Fair from February 27 – March 8; the Chalo Nitka Festival and Rodeo in Moore Haven from March 2 – 7; the Festival of the Arts Boca in Boca Raton from March 5 – 15; the Youth Fair and Livestock Show in Gainesville from March 6 – 8; and even the Florida Renaissance Festival in Deerfield, February 7 – March 15. Check out the Florida Fairs and Festival website for a complete listing.
Wherever you live, you’re bound to find some kind of festival nearby. So look around! Read your local newspaper! Look at your state’s listings of coming events! There’s sure to be something happening within a comfortable driving distance to help take your mind off the miserable weather. Remember, Spring is almost here!
Next: Winter Beach Trips: Hilton Head Island, SC