Wildflower Festival - May 2
Dreams do come true!
The Live Oak Artists Guild created these butterfly photo opps in 2024, just for the festival. -SVT Archived Photo
By Katherine Allen, UF-IFAS
What started as a dream for Anda Chance, past President of the Live Oak Artist Guild (LOAG) has turned into a reality. The Wildflower Festival and Plant Sale is coming back for the third time on the first Saturday in May (5-2-26).
The collaboration of the LOAG, the Suwannee River Regional Library (SRRL) in Live Oak, and the University of Florida/IFAS Extension in Suwannee County has bloomed into something beautiful! Vendors are reaching out now to see if they can participate. Through a geo-fencing program, it was determined that there were approximately 3500 attendees the first year (that had phones on them with the location turned on.) Last year, despite a storm that blew through there were still over 2200 attendees! Although this year sunny skies are expected, Sunday, May 3 has been reserved in case of rain.
“Even though we have a lot of visitors, it doesn’t feel crowded,” says Katherine Allen, UF/IFAS Extension Agent in Suwannee County. “The park has so much elbow room that we can fit in a lot of activities! It is such a beautiful location that even if you do nothing but stroll the grounds, you’ve had a great day!” But don’t get the wrong impression, there is a long list of activities: music, food and craft vendors, an art show, kids activities, a health expo, and more. With seven different musical acts, starting with the Suwannee Drumline at 9am to speakers scheduled throughout the day at the Don Allen Cultural Center (DACC) speaking on everything from bees to native landscaping. Check out the various gardens on the grounds or visit the house which will be open from 10am-2pm. While you are at the DACC, check out the art for sale that benefits local art education in Suwannee County.
This family friendly event has a special kid’s activity zone with activities like owl pellet dissection, interactive puppet shows and building your own bug. The library will have some items from the Library of things available to check out. Pick up your scavenger hunt at the library table to learn more about Heritage Park (and maybe even win a prize!)
“Supporting local entrepreneurs has been part of our original focus.”, explains Amber Waters, IT Specialist with the SRRL, “Last year we saw the interest in the plant sales and have been working hard to reach out to growers to attend.” Pick up a plant or two while you visit local crafters and artisans showcasing their wares. The Health Expo has joined the Wildflower Festival this year and in addition to four buses and various health providers sharing education, there will also be opportunities to get a cancer screening (breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal). Mammograms are by appointment only so please call 352-359-5184 to schedule. Health insurance is not required.
The Suwannee Festivals committee is continuing the chalk art on Heritage Trail (off Helvenston) on Friday, May 1 at 5:30pm. It is free, but we ask you to register on SuwanneeFestivals.org or by calling the Extension office 386-362-2771. “So that we have enough chalk!” laughed Amy Osborne, Adult Services Manager at the SRRL.
Don’t forget to stay for the Free movie and popcorn at 8pm. “A Bug’s Life” will be shown, so bring your chairs! A shoutout to Suwannee County TDC who helped to fund this in part by Visit Suwannee County, FL. With a little help, dreams do come true.
