24th Annual Florida Manatee Festival
January 22 & 23, 2011

 The Manatee Festival promises a vast array of interests for its visitors. A Fine Art show will host exhibitors from around the United States, featuring items from watercolor artwork to breathtaking photography as well as sculptures, stained glass and unique one of a kind handmade jewelry. These are just a few samples of the variety provided by the Fine Artists. Live entertainment will be provided continuously during this two-day event.

 2010 Florida Manatee Festival Sponsors

All work must be original productions of the exhibiting artist.  No commercial reproductions or mass produces items are to be displayed.  The following items are not accepted into the fine art section of the show: knitting, toys, dolls, stuffed animals, picture frames, velvet paintings, kites, windsocks, live plants, decoupage, magnets, shell craft, kaleidoscopes or instruments, pre-cast pottery, ceramics from commercial molds and anything made from kits

2011 Fine Art Judge:

Fine Artists Entered as of December 2009: Joey Barkhouse, Eberhard Basler, Robert & Kathleen Brown, John Davis, Ted Elder, Fred Fisher, Hil-Dee Fisher, Toby Gage, Mary Garvaza, Peter Gerbert, Linda Green, Barbara Hagan, Robert Haines, Lois Horne, Marian HOward & John Davis, Chuck Huddleston, Gregory Jones, Ross Jones, Judy Lynn, Ross Jones, Tracie Kobel, Suzanne & Damon Krongold, David Leach, Judy Lynn, John Marks, Richard Morris, Cesar Nogueira, Gary Odmark, Gary O'Kane, Christy Parks, Rolly Rae Reel, Wanpen & Tim Ruang, Dermot & Ruth Samuda, Robin Sapp, Tony Simotes, Roxie Spell, Wayne Timm, Larry Whidden, Arlie & Becky Whitcomb, Ian Williams, Leland Williams, Mary Hardt Yingling & Jacqueline Zakrzewski.

New this year: Don't miss the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show!  The Paul Bunyan Lumber Jack Show will be entertaining, on the Grounds of Heritage Village, during the Manatee Festival on January 9^th & 10^th.  This action-packed Lumberjack Show features log rolling, "Sandy" the log rolling dog, chopping, sawing, axe throwing, and dragster chainsaw. All with World Champion Lumberjacks, and much, much more!  The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is a historical, educational, humorous show, filled with audience participation. Fun for the whole family!  Call  Heritage Village Office at 352-564-1400  (http://www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com/)  for more information and show times.  

Children's Activities

Manatee Education
Posters of the endangered manatee have been made by local students and will be on display throughout the festival grounds. Continuous movies will also be on display to provide Manatee Education information to all visitors as well as Manatee Education booths designated to enhance the awareness on our endangered manatees.

Food
The aroma of mouth watering food will tempt your palate as you stroll through the food court within the festival. Take advantage of all the many items offered by seafood vendors who know how to make an inviting array of delectable seafood plates! Kettle Korn, cotton candy, elephant ears, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, tasty bakery treats and much much more will be sure to keep you from going home hungry! Over 25 food booths to choose from should guarantee you to find something you like!

Entertainment
Various live entertainment is presented throughout the weekend and is included in the cost of admission! A "Sounds Like Buffet to Me" contest is also hosted with great prizes! Pre-Admission is required.

Crafters
Sponsored and hosted by the Rotary Club of Crystal River, over 150 craft vendors will be out all weekend to bring to you a tremendous variety of woodwork, jewelry, clothing, collectibles, country craft, crochet, children's toys, knitted work and much more! Crafters may call 417-1160 for entry information. No commercial entries will be accepted. Click here for an Arts & Crafts Application.  Or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Manatee Tours

During the festival, you'll have an opportunity to take a manatee tour and see the manatee in its natural environment for a nominal fee. This year, folks will also be able to take a Manatee Helicopter tour for a fee as well.

Beer & Wine Garden

Location & Admission
Festival is located in the heart of downtown Crystal River. This quaint location is right off of US Hwy. 19, about an hour north of Tampa and two hours west of Orlando. Admission into the event is $3 for adults. Boat tours are at an additional cost. Tickets for the boat rides can be purchased only at the Chamber information tent inside of the festival, during festival hours. Tickets for boat rides are limited and are sold on a first-come first-serve basis. Tickets are not sold in advance. Click here for a map.   There is also a convenient shuttle service offered at the northern end of the Crystal River Mall, just blocks from the event. This provides adequate parking and the convenenice of being picked up at your car and arriving directly at the festival gate.  Cost for this is $1 per person for a round-trip ride. Handicap transportation is also available!

Contact Information
For additional information or if you are interested in participating in the Florida Manatee Festival, please call the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce at 352-726-2801 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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