January 18th and 19th, Downtown Crystal River, Florida
It’s that time of year the Florida Manatee Festival returns to downtown historic Crystal River. This annual event is celebrating its 33rd 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 33rd annual Florida Manatee Festival is put together by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. The event will take place on January 18th and 19th in downtown Crystal River. The Florida Manatee Festival is consistently awarded as a “Best of the Best” event to attend by locals for many years. Therefore, it is a staple to our festival-loving community.
Festival Vendors
Festival attendees can shop tons of local fine arts and crafts artists along with other vendors and shops of Citrus Avenue. In addition to sculptures and paintings, there will be vendors selling unique, handmade pieces at the festival. Also, there are tons of great retail vendors, non-profit organizations, crafts and a new section, “Hippie Village.” Live performance by the Citrus Drummers at Hippie Village on Saturday. For a full list of vendors, check out the Florida Manatee Festival website.
Learn About the Florida Manatee
Festival goers have the opportunity to learn more and visit the Florida manatee in Crystal River. The Florida Manatee Festival provides free bus tours to Three Sisters Springs. Guests can explore the boardwalk and watch the Florida Manatee in their natural winter habitat.
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, River Ventures, Plantation Adventure Center and Crystal River Watersports. The tour companies will take visitors on a 30 minute tour to all of the popular manatee hangout spots.
Sip, Snack and Feast
Moreover, after shopping and visiting the manatees, you’ll probably build up quite an appetite. Choose from over 38 food vendors throughout the festival. There is something to satisfy everyone’s craving at any of the assortment of food vendors. For a full list, check out the Florida Manatee Festival website. Furthermore, festival attendees can quench their thirst at any of the local bars along Citrus Avenue.
Kid’s Zone
Also, 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 and more. Special vendors will be present to cater to the children. Additionally, live entertainment by Celestial Fantasy Entertainment and Reflections Dance group.
Florida Manatee Festival Adventure Zone
In addition to all of the great vendors, there will be an Adventure Zone. This gives festival goers a chance to walk on the wild side. Enjoy virtual reality racing, butterfly encounters, rock climbing and more.
Live Music and Entertainment
The 33rd Annual Florida Manatee Festival has packed the weekend full of live entertainment as well. There are live music on multiple stages surrounding the festival. Enjoy over 18 live performances at the Florida Manatee Festival!
Overall, there is so much to do and see at the 33rd Annual Florida Manatee Festival this year. Make sure to check them out online for full-lineups of entertainment, food, vendors and more information. The event starts Saturday, January 18th from 9am-5pm and finishes on Sunday, January 19th 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 is sure to please everyone in your group.
At Your Leisure in Citrus County, Florida
In conclusion, 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) 794-6100.
When you’re ready to build, contact the trusted professionals of Edward Russell Johnston Inc. Over 43 years of experience building beautiful homes in Sugarmill Woods and across the Nature Coast. Call (352) 795-2200.
