Annual salute to forestry kicks off Oct. 5

Posted on September 27, 2019

When the calendar turns to October next week, a 63-year Taylor County tradition — the annual Florida Forest Festival — will once again be upon us.

The month-long salute to forestry and its related industries kicks off with the highly-anticipated Miss Florida Forest Festival Pageant Saturday, Oct. 5, at Forest Capital Hall, starting at 6 p.m.

Nine Taylor County juniors and seniors will vie for the crown during a “Gone Broadway” themed-program.

Next up will be the Little King & Queen Pageant, slated for Saturday, Oct. 12, also at Forest Capital Hall. Some 33 junior princes and princesses will take the stage at 5 p.m.

Tickets for both events are available at the Florida Forest Festival office, located inside the Perry-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce. The cost is $5 each; admission is free for children ages five and under.

The festival carnival will open Wednesday, Oct. 23, and the Fabulous Fireworks Show will light the skies over Perry-Foley Airport Thursday, Oct. 24.

The action kicks into high gear Friday, Oct. 25, with the annual “Strutt Your Mutt” pet parade, “Kids’ K Fun Run” and Kids’ Parade.

The “Big Day” will get started bright and early on Saturday, Oct. 26, with the 5K Run, followed by the King Tree Parade.

Activities continue at Forest Capital Park with the “World’s Largest Free Fish Fry,” arts and craft show, heavy equipment displays, lumberjack shows, chainsaw, cross cut and loader competitions, military vehicle show and much more.

Stage entertainment will include Buddy Jewel and Andy Pursell.

Advance tickets for the carnival are now on sale for $15 each ($20 at the gate).

Entries are also being taken for the King Tree Parade, arts and craft show and the kids’ parade.

For more information, please contact the festival office at (850) 584-TREE (8733).