An annual Marion County event is growing! This year the 3rd Annual Springs Festival will be held Sept. 24-26, in three different locations. In past years the festival was a one-day event.
“We are excited about being able to engage more children in learning about the spring’s preservation with programs such as our art show and our community outreach efforts,” said Criss Specht, Environment, Government & Tourism Director, Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce.
The Springs Festival will focus on the historical and cultural significance of Marion County’s freshwater springs, threats to Florida’s water supply and what people can do to protect our water resources.
Friday, Sept. 24, is Legislative and Media Day at Silver Glen Spring and features a guest speaker and live entertainment.
Saturday, Sept. 25, is Educational Exhibit and Activities Day at Silver Springs. The day features educational exhibits featuring Florida’s water resources, a family activity center with water conservation games, an appearance by “Ripply,” the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s mascot, several guest speakers and live entertainment.
Admission to Silver Springs on Saturday is $15 with a coupon. The coupon is available on the Springs Festival Web site at www.springsfest.com.
Sunday, Sept. 26, is Family Fun Day at Juniper Springs and features the story telling guild and an opportunity to enjoy the springs.
The festival’s primary sponsors are the Southwest Florida Water
Management District, Progress Energy, Marion County Clean Water
Department, the Marion County Diagnostic & Imaging Center, the U.S. Forest Service andFLA USA.
For more information about Springs Festival, contact Criss Specht with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce at (352) 629-8051, ext. 228 or Virginia Sternberger with the Southwest Florida Water Management District at 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4776.