Special Events for Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
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ART IN THE PARK
Date: See table for dates. The event is held from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Description:Art in the Park
1st Saturday fun for everyone!
Come out and enjoy Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park on the First Saturday of each month where you can spend the whole day having a great family experience. Enjoy Art in the Park at the parks craft square and gift shop. The event is held from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Crafters will demonstrate the art of pottery, fabric arts, stained glass, quilting, painting, jewelry making and a wide variety of beautiful Florida art. Workshops will also be available for several of the crafts for a small fee. The workshops are first come, first served. See below for specific dates. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying our spacious and shaded picnic and playground area where the family can enjoy a relaxing picnic and let the kids play.
Art In The Park Dates October 4, 2008 November 1, 2008 December 6, 2008 January 3, 2009 February 7, 2009 March 7, 2009 April 4, 2009 May 2, 2009 June 6, 2009 July 4, 2009 August 1, 2009 September 5, 2009 October 3, 2009 November 7, 2009 December 5, 2009
Fees: The event is free with paid park admission.
Contact: For more information call 386-397-1920.
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FIRST SATURDAY COFFEEHOUSE
Date: See table for dates. This event starts at 7:00 p.m.
Description:First Saturday Coffeehouse
1st Saturday fun for everyone!
Come out and enjoy Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park on the First Saturday of each month where you can spend the evening at the First Saturday Coffeehouse. Starting at 7:00 p.m., enjoy songs stories, music & poetry that may be performed at this open stage night held in the park auditorium. Coffee and desserts will be available for sale.
First Saturday Coffeehouse Dates August 1, 2009 September 5, 2009 October 3, 2009 November 7, 2009 January 2, 2010 February 6, 2010 March 6, 2010 May 1, 2010 June 5, 2010 July 3, 2010 August 7, 2010
Fees: This event is free.
Contact: For more information, 386-397-4331.
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SUWANNEE OLD TIME MUSIC WEEKEND
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 4th, 5th and 6th, 2009.
Description:SUWANNEE OLD TIME MUSIC WEEKEND
Participants invited to a celebration of Old Time music
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park is now accepting registration for the Suwannee Old Time Music Weekend on December 4-6, 2009.
This three day event offers participants in-depth instruction in old time music techniques on the banjo, guitar, fiddle and voice for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Join this year’s special guest instructors and nationally known performers, Mac Traynham, Shay Garriock, and, Jenny Traynham.
Concerts will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings in the park auditorium at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for public admission are $10.00. Friday evening is the Florida Masters Concert featuring Tom and Kay Van Treese, Gail Gillespie and Dwight Rogers. Saturday evening will feature an Instructor’s Showcase Concert with Florida favorites, Chuck Levy, Lloyd Baldwin, Greg Allen and Chuck Anton.
Admission to the three-day event is just $225.00, which includes all workshops, jam sessions, discussion groups, concerts and meals. A spouse program is being offered for just $85.00. Registration is now open and forms are available at Suwannee Old Time Music Weekend Registration. After November 20, there is a $15.00 late registration fee.
For more information on the Suwannee Old Time Music Weekend, please call Morris Cook at (386) 397-7005 or toll free 1-877-635-3655. Call Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521 to reserve a camping space.
Fees: Admission to the three-day event is just $225.00, which includes all workshops, jam sessions, discussion groups, concerts and meals. A spouse program is being offered for just $85.00.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-7005.
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CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Date: December 12 - 31, 2009, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Description: In conjunction with the Town of White Springs, the park will have a full day celebration on Saturday December 12th to kickoff the beginning of the Festival of Lights. The day’s activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a breakfast hosted by Santa Claus. Tickets for the breakfast are available from White Springs Town Hall or the White Springs Library. The park’s Craft Square & Gift Shop will be open from 9:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. A children’s ornament-making workshop will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the State of Florida’s Nature & Heritage Tourism Center. The Town of White Springs’ Christmas Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. culminating inside Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center State Park where hot dogs & cookies are offered free of charge, an evening concert is held inside the park’s carillon tower & a bonfire & marshmallow roast will be held at the gift shop & craft square.
Regular admission fee is waived for the festivities at the park on December 12th, but a donation of canned goods or a new toy is requested. The Festival of Lights is sponsored by the Town of White Springs and its Special Events Committee, the Stephen Foster Citizens Support Organization & numerous local individuals and businesses.
The Park Lights will be on display each evening until 9:00 p.m. through December 31st. Visitors can enjoy the holiday sights & sounds as they drive through the park to see the unique & original holiday light displays including the majestic oak trees adorned with thousands of lights, the antebellum museum dressed in full holiday splendor, gingerbread village located at the gift shop & craft square. Entrance Fees for the evening event between December 13th & 31st are $2:00 per person.
View Photos of the Festival of Lights
Fees: December 12th - Canned goods, new unwrapped toys or donation.
Contact: For more information, please call 386-397-4331.
Participation Requirements
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SWINGIN ON THE SUWANNEE DANCE EVENT
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2009. An Introduction to West Coast Swing workshop will be held between 3:00-4:00 p.m. and a Two Step Movement Workshop will be held between 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. The main dance will start at 7:30 p.m.
Description:SWINGIN ON THE SUWANNEE DANCE EVENT
A day of workshops and West Coast Swing dancing with a little bit of country
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will host the Swingin on the Suwannee, West Coast Swing Dance on Saturday December 19, 2009. This event invites participants to a day of “introduction to the dance”, workshops and a social dance in the evening.
Swingin on the Suwannee is a social gathering of west coast swing dancers from throughout the region. Centrally located to many surrounding cities such as Jacksonville, Gainesville/Ocala, Tallahassee, Valdosta and Tampa; Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park provides the perfect venue for such an event.
The main dance will start at 7:30 P.M. Expect an evening of dancing, dancing and more dancing! Country, latin and ballroom selections will also be mixed with swing music. Evening dance admission fees are $10.00 per person. Couples who wish to participate in both workshops and the dance will receive a discounted rate of $25.00 for the entire day. To inquire about this event, contact Sandy Chase at (850) 566-0915.
Fees: Workshops are $5.00 per person per class. Evening dance admission fees are $10.00 per person. Couples who wish to participate in both workshops and the dance will receive a discounted rate of $25.00 for the entire day.
Contact: For more information, call Sandy Chase at (850) 566-0915.
Participation Requirements
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PEACE AT LAST
Date: Thursday, December 31, 2009. 1:00 p.m.
Description: Celebrate the New Year with a peaceful gathering among friends for a carillon concert and poetry readings on the banks of the Suwannee River.
Fees: Event free with paid park admission.
Contact: For more information, please call 386-397-4331.
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STEPHEN FOSTER DAY
Date: Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
Description: An afternoon musical program and carillon recital in honor of National Stephen Foster Day and the legendary American composer who wrote Florida’s state song, “Old Folks at Home.”
Fees: Admission free with paid park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-7009.
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CRAFT RENDEZVOUS
Date: Saturday, January 23rd, 2010. 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Description: Visit with Florida’s artists as they spend the day demonstrating their skills at handcrafts and studio arts. Blacksmithing, pottery, stained glass, basket making, weaving and painting will be among the creative arts showcased.
For additional information, phone 386-397-1920 or visit online Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization.
Fees: Admission Free with paid park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-1920.
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ELDERHOSTEL
Date: Sunday through Friday, January 24 through January 29, 2010.
Description: Explore North Florida’s natural beauty and local culture along the Suwannee River in our learning programs for adults age 55 and older. Leisure, active or service programs are available. Learn more about the life and music of Stephen Foster. Enjoy church suppers, local musicians and craftsmen, or canoe and hike along the Suwannee.
Register at Elderhostel. Adventures in Lifelong Learning.
Fees: Fees will apply. See registration page.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-7005.
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GATOR KNAP-IN
Date: Friday through Sunday, January 29 through January 31, 2010. 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Description: Learn to make arrowheads and use other prehistoric methods at this educational experience geared for bringing all those interested in prehistoric technologies together. Demonstrations and classes in flint knapping, ceramics, cordage and carving of stone, shell, bone and wood are scheduled.
Fees: Admission Free with paid park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-7009.
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ELDERHOSTEL
Date: Sunday through Friday, February 21 through February 26, 2010.
Description: Explore North Florida’s natural beauty and local culture along the Suwannee River in our learning programs for adults age 55 and older. Leisure, active or service programs are available. Learn more about the life and music of Stephen Foster. Enjoy church suppers, local musicians and craftsmen, or canoe and hike along the Suwannee.
Register at Elderhostel. Adventures in Lifelong Learning.
Fees: Fees will apply. See registration page.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-7005.
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ELDERHOSTEL
Date: Sunday through Friday, March 7 through March 12, 2010.
Description: Explore North Florida’s natural beauty and local culture along the Suwannee River in our learning programs for adults age 55 and older. Leisure, active or service programs are available. Learn more about the life and music of Stephen Foster. Enjoy church suppers, local musicians and craftsmen, or canoe and hike along the Suwannee.
Register at Elderhostel. Adventures in Lifelong Learning.
Fees: Fees will apply. See registration page.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-7005.
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WILD AZALEA FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday, March 20th, 2010. 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Description: Join the Town of White Springs and the State of Florida’s Nature & Heritage Center as they celebrate the spring bloom of wild azaleas along the Suwannee River. The festival features musical performances, arts and crafts, trail hikes and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Native plants, including wild azaleas will also be for sale. The event is sponsored by the Nature & Heritage Tourism Center and the White Springs Special Events Committee.
Fees: This event is FREE!
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-4462.
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ELDERHOSTEL
Date: Sunday through Friday, March 21 through March 26, 2010.
Description: Explore North Florida’s natural beauty and local culture along the Suwannee River in our learning programs for adults age 55 and older. Leisure, active or service programs are available. Learn more about the life and music of Stephen Foster. Enjoy church suppers, local musicians and craftsmen, or canoe and hike along the Suwannee.
Register at Elderhostel. Adventures in Lifelong Learning.
Fees: Fees will apply. See registration page.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-4478.
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ANTIQUE TRACTOR & ENGINE SHOW
Date: Friday through Sunday, April 2 through 4, 2010. 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Description: Farm machinery representing 200 years of American history. Vintage farm equipment, tractor pulls and races for adults. Children’s games and races. Demonstrations of wheat threshing and shingle milling. Food concessions.
Fees: Admission free with paid park admission.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-7005.
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EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE
Date: Sunday, April 4, 2010. 6:45 a.m.
Description: Celebrate Easter with gospel choirs, soloists and clergy from the local community who gather together for a beautiful sunrise service.
Fees: This event is free.
Contact: For more information, call 386-397-4331.
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FLORIDA FOLK FESTIVAL
Date: Friday through Sunday, May 28 through May 30, 2010. Gates open at 8:00 a.m.
Description: Enjoy the diversity of Florida’s culture and history when its residents share their food, music, dance, stories, crafts and work life. Visit Seminole family camp, watch the state fiddling contest and savor ethnic food and church supper favorites. Pets are not allowed.
For advance tickets, call 1-877-635-3655 or visit Florida Folk Festival. Participants and vendors call 386-397-7005.
Fees: Advance Tickets – One Day Adult - $20.00; Weekend Adult - $40.00; Child Day (good all weekend) - $4.00 Gate Tickets – One Day Adult - $25.00; Weekend Adult - $50.00; Child Day (good all weekend) - $5.00
Contact: For more information, call 1-877-635-3655.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Ranger Programs
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PAINTED WINDOW WORKSHOP
Every Monday. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will host Painted Window Workshops every Monday from 2:00 p.m till 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m.
Taught by folk artist, Janet Moses, in these workshops, you will learn the basics of how to paint on windows or other recycled materials
Workshop fees are $35.00 per workshop, including park admission.
For event information and to register for the workshop, please call the park Gift Shop at 386-397-1920 or visit Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization
Call 386-397-1920 for more details. -
CAMPGROUND PROGRAMS
Saturdays, October through May. Park rangers present one-hour programs on local history, Black Seminole history, knot tying, the carillon tower bells, and more.
Call (386) 397-2733 for more details. -
WORKING CRAFTSMEN AND CLASSES IN CRAFT SQUARE
Call park for dates and times. Learn Florida traditions from the artists and craftsmen who keep old ways alive through blacksmithing, quilting, pottery and more. Call Craft Square at (386) 397-1920 for information.
Call (386) 397-4331 for more details. -
FIRST SATURDAY COFFEEHOUSE
Call park for dates and times. Songs, stories, music or poetry may be presented at this open microphone night held the first Saturday of each month. Coffee and desserts for sale.
Call (386) 397-4331 for more details. -
ART IN THE PARK
First Saturday of each Month. Crafters will demonstrate the art of pottery, fabric arts, stained glass, quilting, jewelry making and many other crafts. Workshops will also be available for several of the crafts for a small fee. The workshops are first come, first served.
Call 386-397-1920 for more details. -
BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will host a Blacksmithing Workshops on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of every week. Please call to set up time.
Craft Demonstrator Pablo Gonzalez will teach participants how draw out, bend, upset and twist iron. Everyone will leave with a simple finished product.
Fees are $15.00 per workshop, including park admission. For additional information or to register for the workshops, call (386) 397-1920 or visit Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization.
Call 386-397-1920 for more details. -
JUNIOR BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will host a Junior Blacksmithing Workshops for children ten and up on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of every week. Please call to set up time. Parent must attend with child.
Craft Demonstrator Pablo Gonzalez will teach participants how draw out, bend, upset and twist iron. Everyone will leave with a simple hook and a Junior Blacksmith Certificate.
Fees are $5.00 per workshop, including park admission. For additional information or to register for the workshops, call (386) 397-1920 or visit Stephen Foster Citizen Support Organization.
Call 386-397-1920 for more details. -
WOOD CARVING WORKSHOP
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will host an ongoing wood carving workshop on Mondays and Thursdays through Sundays, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Scot "Smoke" Dunlap will teach basic woodcarving techniques of how to create a one of a kind piece of art from a piece of wood. Participants can create figure carvings, wood spirits, spoons, bowls, relief carvings and more during this four hour class. Workshop fees are $15.00 per session and include park admission.
Call 386-397-1920 for more details.
