Florida Cracker Crumbs: More November Events

State Park Events:

RURAL FOLKLIFE DAYS
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Date: Thursday & Friday, November 8 & 9, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Description: Florida’s rural past continues with quilting, cane grinding, syrup making, lye soap making, handplaited cow whips and other farm traditions that remain part of family and community life. Experience rural farm traditions and taste homemade jellies at this family event. School groups welcome. School groups should call 386-397-7005 to register and receive educator’s handbook.
Fees: $5.00 per person.
Contact: For more information, call (386) 397-4331.
Directions: Located on U.S. 41 in White Springs. From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439), travel east on S.R. 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. Park entrance is on the left. From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301), travel 9 miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.

FLORIDA FOLK FESTIVAL
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 9, 10 & 11. Gates open at 8:00 a.m.
Description: Enjoy the diversity of Florida’s culture and history when its residents share their food, music and dance, stories, crafts and work life. Visit Seminole family camp, watch the state fiddling contest and savor ethnic food and church supper favorites. Pets are not allowed. For advance tickets, call 1-877-635-3655 or visit Florida Folk Festival.
Fees: Fee schedule to follow.
Contact: For updated information call 1-877-635-3655.
Directions: Located on U.S. 41 in White Springs. From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439), travel east on S.R. 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. Park entrance is on the left. From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301, travel 9 miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.

ALAFIA FAT TIRE FESTIVAL
Alafia River State Park
Date: November 9 - 11
Description: Join the SWAMP Mountain Bike Club for 2-days of off-road adventure at Alafia River State Park and Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve. Festival activities and amenities include guided rides for all skill levels, beverage and snacks on all rides, breakfast, lunch & dinner on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, camping (two nights) adjacent to the event headquarters, local bike shop displays and bike mechanic services, factory reps with demo bikes, event SWAG, live musical entertainment on Friday & Saturday night, night ride (Friday). An entry pass will be provided to pre-registered guests prior to the event. Registration will be limited to the first 275 applicants. Camp sites are available to the first 175 requests.
Fees: Please contact SWAMP for fee information.
Contact: Log on to www.swampclub.org or call (813) 689-5109
Directions: From the South - Take I-75 north to exit #240. At exit #240, turn right (east) onto SR 674. Keep straight on SR 674 for approximately 15 miles. Turn left (north) at flashing light, onto CR 39 for approximately 5 miles. The main park entrance is on the right side. From the north - Take I-75 south to exit #246. At exit #246, turn right (east) onto Big Bend Road. Keep straight on Big Bend Road for approximately 1 mile. Turn right (south) onto U.S. 301. Keep straight on U.S. 301 for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left (east) onto CR 672. Follow CR 672 for approximately 12 miles. Turn left (north) onto CR 39. Keep straight on CR 39 for approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance in on the right side. From the east - Take I-4 West to exit #22. Turn left onto Park Road. Follow Park Road for approximately 2.5 miles. Bear right onto 39B. Turn left onto SR 39 (James Redman Parkway). Continue on SR/CR 39 for approximately 15.2 miles. The main park entrance will be on the left side.

MAD HATTER ARTS FESTIVAL
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Date: November 10 & 11, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Park opens at 9:00 a.m.)
Description: Music and Art at The Barnacle and throughout Coconut Grove.
Fees: Park entrance fee - $1.00, ages 6 and over; under 6 are free.
Contact: (305) 442-6866
Directions: The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove (Miami) at 3485 Main Highway.

OCALI COUNTRY DAYS
Silver River State Park
Date: November 10 & 11, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Description: Ocali Country Days is one of Ocala's favorite fall festivals. Put on by the Marion County School Board. It is the main fundraiser to keep the Silver River Museum operating to educate the county's 4th and 7th graders about beautiful Central Florida ecosystems and cultural history. Vendors, displays and presentations let you step back in time. Held in the Cracker Village, there will be sugar cane syrup making, butter churning, quilting and flint napping demonstrations. Approximately 2,000 people come to this two-day event each day. It's a great family day with storytelling, food and fun.
Fees: $4.00 per person; park entry fee waived.
Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From I-75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From I-95, take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

3rd ANNUAL ST. SEBASTIAN RIVER PRESERVE POKER RIDE (ON HORSEBACK)
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
Date: Saturday, November 10 (First hand out at 10:00 a.m./Last hand out at 11:00 a.m.)
Description: Join us for another beautiful ride in the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park. Due to popular request, we will be riding and camping on the SE side of the Preserve. The main trail will be 10 - 12 miles long with options to make it longer or shorter, without compromising the integrity of the poker game. A delicious lunch and tons of door prizes will be included in the price of your 'hand.' Additional lunch tickets can be purchased for non-riders at $5 per meal. There will also be opportunities to participate in a 50/50.
Fees: $20.00 per hand (lunch and door prizes included).
Contact: Patti Fuchs (772) 473-5025
Directions: The north entrance for the visitor center and Manatee Vista is off Babcock Street (County Road 507) just north of the C-54 Canal. Exit I-95 at County Road 514 to reach County Road 507. The south entrance is off Fellsmere Road (County Road 512) 1.8 miles east of I-95.

10th ANNUAL DISCOVER THE ISLAND
Egmont Key State Park
Date: Saturday, November 10 & Sunday, November 11, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Description: This fundraiser, sponsored by the Egmont Key Alliance and Hubbard’s Sea Adventures includes a 10 stop walking tour, historians in costume and kids’ pirate games. Don’t miss this chance to learn about the natural and cultural history of the island!
Fees: $15.00 (group discount available), Children 12 and under free. Round trip boat transportation leaving from Fort Desoto Park from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. included (last boat returns from Egmont Key at 5:00 p.m.).
Contact: For more information visit: http://www.egmontkey.info/
Directions: Egmont Key is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort DeSoto Beach. Access by private boat only.

FLORIDA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP - SERIES #6
Oleta River State Park
Date: November 11
Description: Series #6, of the 2007 Florida State Championship for mountain bike racing, will be held on Oleta River State Park's challenging off-road trails.
Fees: Park admission fee
Contact: (305) 919-1846 or visit www.goneriding.com
Directions: Oleta River State Park is located at 3400 N.E. 163rd St, off I–95 in Miami.

STARGAZING
Silver River State Park
Date: November 17, 6:00 p.m.
Description:The Ocala Astronomy Club comes to the park with telescopes and knowledge for an educational evening under the stars. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Event is weather permitting.
Fees: $4.00 per car load park entry fee.
Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From I-75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From I-95, take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

COFFEE with the BIRDS
Silver River State Park
Date: November 17, 8:00 a.m.
Description: Join an experienced birder for a gentle hike through Central Florida woodlands identifying birds by sight and sound. Bring your coffee cup and insect repellant. Event is weather permitting. No pets please.
Fees: $4.00 per car load park entry fee.
Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From I-75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From I-95, take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

CRACKER VILLAGE TOUR
Silver River State Park
Date: November 17, 6:00 p.m.
Description: Take a guided tour through the Cracker Village and learn about lifestyles in the 1800's in Central Florida. These monthly tours present the only time that the Village is open to the public.
Fees: $4.00 per car load park entry fee.
Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From I-75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From I-95, take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

TAMPA'S CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL Ybor City
Museum State Park
Date: Saturday - November 17
Description: Tampa's premier cigar event comes back to Ybor City and Ybor City Museum State Park for 2007. Enjoy fine cigars, cigar lifestyle vendors, authentic food, traditional Ybor City pastimes like dominoe playing, cooking demonstrations, dancing and live music. Witness the World's Longest Cigar presented by Cigar City Magazine. Exclusive 'Night Before' smoker - Cigars & Stars II, presented by Cigar City Magazine. Space available for cigar lifestyle vendors. Corporate sponsorships available. Proceeds benefit the Ybor City Museum Society.
Fees:
Contact: Call the Museum Society at (813) 247.1434
Directions: From I-4 - Take exit 1 and turn South onto 21st Street (it's one-way) turn right onto Palm Avenue, then take the second left onto 19th Street and the very next right which is 9th Avenue. The museum is the second building on the right, a large building with a yellow brick front. From I-275 - Take it North or South to I-4 and follow the above directions. Parking - Parking is available on the street at the parking meters (quarters only) or at one of the metered lots located off of 8th Avenue or one of the Parking Garages. One Parking Garage is located on 9th Avenue between 13th Street and Nick Nuccio Parkway, 6 blocks west of the Museum. Another Parking Garage
Upcoming Events in Florida State Parks 7
is located at 15th Street and 5th Avenue and is 6 blocks diagonally from the Museum. Two Hour Free Parking is available on 7th Avenue during the day but it fills up fast.

8th ANNUAL MATLACHA PASS ESTUARY DAY PADDLE
Charlotte Harbor
Date: Sunday, November 18.
The paddle begins on Sunday morning between 8:30 a.m. returning by 12:00 p.m. (Alternate date in the event of bad weather is Sunday, December 2.)
Description: THE BIG PADDLE: Join the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. on their 8th annual canoe/kayak paddle event for the greater Charlotte Harbor community. Trails meander through tidal creeks and the mangrove forests of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. Paddlers may glimpse a ray gliding by their kayak, dolphins emerging above the waves and mullet leaping. Osprey, ibis, herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills may be seen in secluded areas. For information and a complete list of National Estuaries Day events being held throughout the Charlotte Harbor watershed sponsored by the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, visit www.CharlotteHarborNEP.org or call (239) 338-2556, extension 240.
Fees: The cost for Friends members who bring their own kayaks is $5. The cost is $15 for Friends members and $20 for nonmembers who need kayaks provided for them. CHILDREN UNDER 16 ARE FREE. CHILDREN AND YOUTH UNDER THE AGE OF 16 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT IN A DOUBLE KAYAK. The fee includes maps, refreshments and kayak instructions for novices. Paddling options include easy, intermediate, and advanced routes. Advance registration is required. A $5.00 late fee will be added to registrations received after November 12. Call DEP at (941) 575- 5861 for registration forms and details.
Contact: For more information call (941) 575-5861
Directions: The administrative, resource management and facilities maintenance offices are located on Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda approximately 3 miles south of US 41/Tamiami Trail. Other access points to the park are available in Cape Coral, Cape Haze, El Jobean, Little Pine Island and Rotonda.

THE X-COUNTRY MARATHON
Alafia River State Park
Date: Sunday – November 18, 7:45 a.m.
Description: Enjoy the rolling hills and tall grasses of Alafia River State Park as you race on the wide open paths. This 2nd annual off-road race comes just before the Florida marathon season. Try the full marathon or sample the Half-Marathon or 5K courses. Either way, come run with us.
Fees: For registration fees, please log on to www.tamparaces.com. Park admission fees still apply.
Contact: Contact the park at (813) 672-5320.
Directions: From the South - Take I-75 North to exit #240. At exit #240, turn Right (East) onto SR 674. Keep straight on SR 674 for approximately 15 miles. Turn Left (North) at flashing light, onto CR 39 for approximately 5 miles. The main park entrance is on the Right side. From the North - Take I-75 South to exit #246. At exit #246, turn Right (East) onto Big Bend Road. Keep straight on Big Bend Road for approximately 1 mile. Turn Right (South) onto U.S. 301. Keep straight on U.S. 301 for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn Left (East) onto CR 672. Follow CR 672 for approximately 12 miles. Turn Left (North) onto CR 39. Keep straight on CR 39 for approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance in on the Right side. From the East - Take I-4 West to exit #22. Turn Left onto Park Road. Follow Park Road for approximately 2.5 miles. Bear right onto 39B. Turn Left onto SR 39 (James Redman Parkway). Continue on SR/CR 39 for approximately 15.2 miles. The main park entrance will be on the Left side.

SUWANNEE OLD-TIME MUSIC WEEKEND
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 30, December 1 & 2.
Description: Spend the weekend picking up old-time music techniques from the masters of the fiddle, banjo, guitar and voice. The weekend features the Rhythm Rats - whose wild and beautiful old fiddle tunes, driving dance music, balads, banjo songs, and mountain blues are sung with ability, spirit, and authenticity. Our homegrown talents include Fay Baird, Tammy Murray, and Chuck Levy. Evening Instructors Showcase and a Florida Masters Concert featuring Tommy Bledsoe, and the string band Upsala will be open to the public. Download information and registration form: Registration Form Fees:
Fee: $150.00 includes all Workshops, Concerts, Jams, Seminars and Discussion Groups. Saturday Evening Concert: $10.00
Contact: For more information, call (386) 397-4478.
Directions: Located on U.S. 41 in White Springs. From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439), travel east on S.R. 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. Park entrance is on the left. From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301 - Old Exit 43), travel 9 miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.

OLD TIME DANCE
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Date: November 30, 6 - 10:00 p.m.
Description: Kick up your heels to traditional American music played by the Flying Kick and Mudhole Control and caller Rae Newoman while learning traditional American folk dance steps. Dances such as circles, squares, contras and waltzes were all the rage in the 1800s, so come dance like it's 1891.
Fees: $8.00 - 10 years and older
Contact: (305) 442-6866
Directions: The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove (Miami) at 3485 Main Highway

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It's fair season!

1-11 November
Volusia County
DeLand

2-10 November
Columbia County
Lake City

2-10 November
Northwest Florida
Fort Walton Beach

8-12 November
Levy County
Williston

8-18
North Florida
Tallahassee

13-18 November
St. Johns County
Elkton

15-25 November
Broward County
Fort Lauderdale

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Other events around the state:

8 November
RAYS NEW LOGO CELEBRATION - with KEVIN COSTNER
St. Pete

8 November
KEY LARGO COOK-OFF
Key Largo