January 19th-January 20th, 2019
It’s that time of year the Florida Manatee Festival returns to downtown historic Crystal River. This annual event is celebrating its 32nd year of honoring the Florida manatee. The manatee has put Citrus County on the map for hundreds of thousands of tourists as a must-see travel destination. This event alone brings in over 20,000 visitors in just two days to Crystal River.
About the Florida Manatee Festival
The 32nd annual Florida Manatee Festival is put together by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and Rotary of Crystal River. The event will take place on January 19th and January 20th in downtown Crystal River. The event spans from the waterfront area of Third Street across US 19 to Crystal Street, down Citrus Avenue. The Florida Manatee Festival is consistently awarded as a “Best of the Best” event to attend by locals for many years. A staple to our festival-loving community.
Festival Vendors
Festival attendees will have the opportunity to shop tons of local fine arts and crafts artists along with other vendors and shops of Citrus Avenue. Find that perfect painting or sculpture for your home from any of the dozens of local artists. In addition to the larger art pieces, there will be wearable art! There are many jewelry vendors selling unique, handmade pieces at the festival. There will also be tons of great retail vendors selling clothing, books, animal accessories, furniture, candles, snacks, travel trips, knick-knacks and so much more. For a full list of vendors, check out the Florida Manatee Festival website.
Learn About the Florida Manatee
Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about local non-profit organizations, visit animal education areas and of course, the manatee! The Florida Manatee Festival provides free bus tours to Three Sisters Springs, a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. The tours will run all day during the festival by the City of Crystal River and Friends of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the boardwalk and see the Florida manatee floating in Three Sisters Springs. Additionally, guests can get a closer look of the Florida manatee by paying a small fee to take a boat ride from Manatee Boat Tours. The tour company will take visitors out on the water to all of the popular manatee hangout spots.
Sip, Snack and Feast
After shopping and visiting the manatees, you’ll probably build up quite an appetite. The festival hosts two food courts for visitors. There is something to satisfy everyone’s craving at any of the assortment of food vendors ranging from BBQ, Chinese, American, Seafood, Sweets and more. For a full list, check out the Florida Manatee Festival website. Festival attendees can quench their thirst at any of the local bars along Citrus Avenue or stop by the beer vendors along the event route.
Children’s Activities
Bring your little ones to the Florida Manatee Festival for a day full of fun activities they’ll enjoy as well. Children 12 and under are free to attend and will have a special “Kid Zone” area on the corner of US 19 and Citrus Avenue. Here, the kids can bounce with Citrus Inflatables bounce houses and slides, play carnival games, rock climb, bungee jump, get their face painted and so much more. There will even be special vendors in their section catering towards children’s hobbies.
Car Show
In addition to all of that, even the gear-head will find some fun at the Florida Manatee Festival! A car show will take place around Heritage Village featuring cars from the Citrus Vettes, Camaro’s Car Club and Nature Coast Mustangs Car Club. Check out all the great American muscle cars on display from local car club members.
Live Music & Entertainment
The 32nd Annual Florida Manatee Festival has packed the day full of live entertainment as well. There will be live music on multiple stages surrounding the festival. Check out the many talents of young singer-songwriters, acapella quartets, country music bands and much more. Additionally, make sure to witness “America’s Got Talent” Illusionist/Magician duo, David and Jenny, performing shows both days of the festival. Take a photo with Lizzie Downs, Stilt Walker, who will be roaming around the festival. Also, the Sass with Class Cloggers will be performing at the Heritage House Gazebo both days.
In conclusion, there is so much to do and see at the 32nd Annual Florida Manatee Festival this year. Make sure to check them out online for full-lineups of entertainment, food, vendors and additional information. The event starts Saturday, January 19th from 9am-5pm and finishes on Sunday, January 20th 9am-4pm. Admission for adults is only $5, children 12 and under are free. Don’t miss this wonderful, educational and entertaining yearly festival that suits everyone in your family’s interests.
There is something for everyone when you are at your leisure in Citrus County Florida. So if you are looking for an idyllic setting to call home, contact one of our friendly professionals at Coldwell Banker Next Generation Realty of Citrus. Speak with a professional today (352) 382-2700. Stop by the Crystal River office while you attend the 32nd Annual Florida Manatee Festival for more information on the area and how we can help you move to Citrus County.
When you’re ready to build, contact the trusted professionals of Edward Russell Johnston Inc. Over 42 years of experience building beautiful homes in Sugarmill Woods and across the Nature Coast. Call (352) 795-2200.
