COMMUNITY EVENTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN LIVE OAK, LAKE CITY, MADISON, BRANFORD, MAYO, DOWLING PARK, HIGH SPRINGS AND ALACHUA, FLORIDA
RIVEROAK College Career Day & Program Showcase
Save The Date!
FEB 13, 2025
The 2025 RIVEROAK Technical College Career Day & Program Showcase is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm.
We look forward to seeing our established business partners again. If you are new to the event, we welcome you and look forward to helping you have a productive experience for your organization.
For more information contact Tracy Henderson at
46th Annual Olustee Festival Downtown Lake City - FEB 14
Olustee Festival Celebrates 46 Years of Tradition and Excitement in Columbia County
Submitted by Mantha Young
Mark your calendars for February 14th and 15th, 2025, as the beloved Olustee Festival returns for its 46th year! Set against the scenic backdrop of Lake DeSoto at Wilson Park, this iconic event is a cherished tradition in Columbia County, blending timeless attractions with exciting new experiences.
A special thank you to GulfCoast Financial Services, our Presenting Sponsor, for their continued support of this spectacular event.
Festivities Begin Friday Morning
The celebration kicks-off on Friday, February 14th, at 9 a.m., when the Arts and Crafts Vendors open at Wilson Park.
Enjoy a delightful variety of specialty foods, handmade arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Vendors from across the nation will gather to showcase their unique offerings, promising something for everyone.
Families will love the Kids Zone, packed with fun activities like train rides, a rock-climbing wall, henna painting, bounce houses, and Nick’s Kids Show.
Foodies can indulge in various culinary delights, while shoppers browse stunning handmade goods. The stage will come alive throughout both days with performances from local schools, studios, and talented artists.
Exciting New Feature
Get ready to rock! The Olustee Festival is thrilled to announce the inaugural Battle of the Bands, an electrifying new event happening on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Wilson Park in Lake City, Florida.
This high-energy competition will showcase incredible talent as bands go head-to-head, delivering unforgettable performances and vying for $3,000 in cash prizes:
1st Place: $1,500
2nd Place: $1,000
3rd Place: $500
Judges will score each band across five key categories:
Musicianship
Stage Presence
Originality
Quality of Performance
Crowd Response
Bring your friends, cheer on your favorites, and experience the vibrant energy of this exciting addition to the Olustee Festival. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just love a good show, the Battle of the Bands is sure to bring the house down!
GulfCoast Financial Services 5K Run
For runners, the GulfCoast Financial Services 5K is back on Saturday, February 15th, at 8 a.m., starting at Halpatter Brewing Company.
This professionally timed race is perfect for athletes and casual runners alike. Register now at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/LakeCity/OLUSTEEBlueGrey5K
Step Into History
Immerse yourself in Columbia County’s rich history at the Lake City—Columbia County Historical Museum, located at 157 SE Hernando Ave. This historic site will be open throughout the weekend, and dedicated volunteers will bring over two centuries of history to life.
Stay Connected
For more details, visit www.olusteefestival.com or follow us on Facebook at @olusteefestival for the latest updates.
Strawberry Festival at Suwannee County Fairgrounds
February 22 & 23 , 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
FRESH STRAWBERRIES!
GAMES!
PIE EATING CONTEST!
AND SO MUCH MORE!
The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club invites you to “Real Men Make Soup” on Friday, February 21st – from 5 to 7 PM. Enjoy delicious soup made by our community’s great chefs. The menu will be homemade soups, sandwiches, rolls, crackers, beverages, and desserts for $20.00. Tickets are limited. The fundraiser will benefit the High Springs Community School’s Wish List. For information and to purchase tickets, call 386-518-3276 Ext. 2. Address: 23674 West U.S. Hwy 27, High Springs, FL 32643
February Hearthstone Gardens Workshops
Submitted
Tuesday, February 4 at 10 AM – PRUNING
A hands-on workshop that focuses on the how, when, and where to prune. Tips for successful pruning and hands-on practice pruning. Bring bypass pruners and loppers. Cost: $10.00.
Tuesday, February 11 at 10 AM – TOOL TIME
Learn how to remove rust and sharpen your gardening tools.
Bring tools of your choice (2-3) to work on. Materials (not tools) provided. Cost: $15
Thursday, February 13 at 10 AM - MAKE YOUR OWN BLUEBIRD HOUSE Class will be taught by woodworker Dennis Daudelin. This hands-on workshop, along with tips on raising bluebirds, will result in your own bluebird house to take home. Materials provided. Cost: $20.
Monday, February 17 from 10 -2 PM - PRESSURE CANNING
Learn best practices for successful pressure canning using carrots. Each person brings 4 cups of sliced carrots. Jars and lids provided. This workshop will be at the presenter’s home. Bring lunch. Cost: $20
Wednesday, February 19 at 10 AM - ORCHID DIVISION
We will be cutting up 2 large cattleyas and 1 large oncidium while discussing division techniques and possible disease issues. Bring clippers. If you wish to pot your bare root cutting, bring a pot and orchid medium. Cost: $20
Thursday, February 27 at 10 AM - STAINED GLASS
Tina Keesling of Tina’s Stained-Glass Studio will focus on teaching you to know your tools and what they do, how to cut glass, solder, flux, and came (lead). All supplies and tools provided. You will create your own lovely piece. Bring lunch. Cost: $50.
Hearthstone Gardens is located in Wellborn just off US Hwy 90 at 3300 134th Place. Call 386-438-3102 to reserve a spot and get directions. Class sizes are limited. Check us out at www.hearthstonegardens.org.
