03/29/2012 - Palm Harbor Citrus Festival 3/29

The fourth annual festival officially begins Thursday, March 29, at 5 p.m. with the opening of a carnival. Michigan-based operator Arnold Amusements runs the midway each year complete with an old-time Ferris wheel, amusement rides, games and “carny” food. The carnival runs all four days through Sunday, April 1, until 6 p.m.

New to the Citrus Festival this year and sure to be a show stopper is Battle of the Bands sponsored by JG Health Clinics. About 30 participating bands will be judged and ranked by a panel of industry professionals. Five top finalists will be chosen to perform on Saturday during the festival. The winning band gets a chance to produce a mastered single in a professional studio – a prize valued at $3,750 – and performs live at the festival Saturday night before the headliner.

Another crowning event will be the Citrus Festival Queen Pageant. The contest is open to all females, 14 to 18 years of age who are in the ninth through 12th grades. Contestants must be a resident of Palm Harbor, Ozona or Crystal Beach or attend either Palm Harbor University High School or East Lake High School. Contestants will be judged according to preliminary assessments, eveningwear and one special interview question. The grand prize includes a $500 college scholarship, gift bags and the title of Miss Palm Harbor Citrus Festival Queen.

The weekend festivities kick off on Saturday at 8 a.m. with a 5K run and 1-mile walk. The Kiwanis Club of Palm Harbor will serve a pancake breakfast for hungry joggers after the race.

Saturday is the big vendor day and between 30 and 40 vendors from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. will exhibit items for sale that include everything from arts and crafts, clothing and jewelry to imported furniture.

On Sunday, the Palmsbury Bake-Off entries will be judged. The recipe with the most “original flair” using citrus will win the title. Categories for baked goodies include cakes, cookies, pies, sweet breads and jams and jellies. The main stage will include activities and acoustical performances for Sunday visitors as well.

Comments

Would love to hear William "Duece" Hulett perform at the Citrus Festival. He is a local entertainer, recently signed with Castle Records as the newest Nashville Recording Artist. He puts on a fantastic show. Check him out at www.williamduecehulett.com I would recommend him for any affair in the upcoming months. He has a long list of fans that follow him everywhere he performs.

Report Comment

February 07, 2012 by Diane Lutes