Let your search for the ultimate winter getaway destination come to a close in Orange City, Florida. Orange City was incorporated as a city way back in 1882 and was named for the thousands of acres of orange groves in the area. Ironically, in 1894, all the orange groves were destroyed in a weather event called the “Big Freeze”. Currently, the city has a population of over 10,000 and it still embodies a classic southern charm while providing all the modern amenities and activities you’d find in a much larger city. Wether you on a couples getaway, traveling with the family, or on a trip with friends, Orange City is a great vacation destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the network of beautiful and well maintained parks that are perfect for hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, biking, and so much more. The area is also home to great shopping, unique restaurants serving delicious cuisine, live entertainment and the list goes on. Some of the major drivers of tourism to the city are festivals and events like the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival.
Since 1985, Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival has been one of the most popular and anticipated events in Orange City. It embodies the perfect fusion of entertainment and education. You’ll get to see and learn about the majestic manatee and conservation of wildlife in a fun and interactive environment. The festival is held at the lush and sprawling Valentine Park, which warrants a visit on it own merits, outside of this great event. The park is home to the inspiration of this festival, the manatees. Over the years the park has adopted and cared for rescued manatees and they are currently host to five of these interesting creatures. All ages will have a blast at the festival with games and activities for kids, entertainment for all ages, and plenty of food options for everyone. Come down to sunny Florida and Orange City for an experience that you’ll cherish for years to come! We interviewed Jeff Allebach, the Director of the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival, to talk about this great event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
JA: The Manatee Festival is a family fun festival put on by an all volunteer group. Proceeds support numerous charities in the Orange City area. The Manatee Festival has been taking place since 1985, so we are proudly celebrating our 31st year. Our event has a large and dedicated following. We usually attract between eight and ten thousand people to our event over the course of the festival weekend. Demographically, we see a lot of families and couples, but it's not limited to just those groups. We get a broad spectrum of people covering all demographics.
RAL: What makes the festival unique.
JA: There are a multitude of things that set our festival apart from others. The bus ride to the park showcases the lush and vibrant landscape of the park. Plus, the festival focuses on environmental awareness, preservation, and conservation of our beautiful wildlife and wilderness. This is an activity filled event that is ideal for couples, families, groups, and any fan of animals and the outdoors.
RAL: Take me through a typical day at the event.
JA: As soon as you arrive at the festival, take the bus over and see the manatees. Make sure to take your time because there is a lot to see and appreciate about the natural beauty of these unique animals and the environment they occupy. Make sure to return in time for the Disconnected K9's, a group world famous frisbee dogs, who will be performing tricks for the crowd. They are fantastic and will entertain all ages.
Next, stop by the food vendors to sample a variety of festival foods before you head over to the crafter village to find that perfect item to remember your trip to the festival. Browse the Central Florida Zoo tent to learn how to protect the environment. This information is eye opening and will certainly change the way you look at manatees and the environment. Close the day with some kids bouncy houses and climbing the rock wall, or riding down the zip line. With so much to do, you’ll head home worn out but satisfied.
RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?
JA: While we are not partnered up for any deals with specific lodging providers for our event, the area is home to many different rental options including quaint bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, and camping sites. They may offer seasonal deals and packages. Contact a few of them to see which has the best deal for you. Don't worry about availability during the event! There are so many options that you won't have an issue of finding the right lodging for you.
RAL: What does the festival mean to the community?
JA: It highlights the area and is a fundraiser for local charities and educational scholarships for local youth. In fact, over the past 28 years, our festival has raised over $500,000. Just last year, we raised over $40,000 that went right back into the community. We finance the local DARE program at two schools, fund a local scholarship program, provide funds to less fortunate citizens, put on educational forums about land conservation/going green, and various other great causes in the Orange Park community.
The festival also benefits the community by bringing in extra people to our great city. While we are not the major event draw, we definitely help boost the sales of local stores, restaurants and attractions.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JA: The weather is sunny and beautiful in Florida during January. Make the trip to Orange City and you wont be dissapointed. You’ll get to see some amazing sights in nature and it’s just good old fashioned fun for all ages and backgrounds.
For more information about the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival, please visit their website.