The decision in 2017 by the Florida Blueberry Festival to end their event in Brooksville left many residents wondering if they’d see a celebration of the little blue fruit again.
John Lee, owner of the Coney Island Drive Inn is a neighbor to Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Chairman Steve Champion’s American Gun and Pawn. Lee said, “When they first pulled out, I approached (Steve Champion), and said ‘we shouldn’t allow this to happen’.” Ultimately, the idea hatched into a plan to continue the festival, which has been joined by Terlep Chiropractic, Marker 48 Brewing, the Caglianone-Miller law firm, and Champion’s American Gun and Pawn.
Several vendors have signed up to join the festival, which will focus on local artisans, musicians and business people. “We’re looking for people who grow things or build things, or have a business locally… to showcase what we have (in Hernando County).” There are openings for several more vendors.
Future Farmers of America (FFA) alumni will host a dunk tank, which may give attendees a chance to dunk local politicians and teachers. All for a good cause.
The festival is to be held at Hernando Park, which has a bandshell to showcase local musicians and entertainers. Proposed road closures include Fort Dade Avenue from Main Street to the Post Office (between Howell and Oakland) and the entire length of North Magnolia, which connects Fort Dade and West Jefferson. An application was filed with SunTrust Bank to use their parking lots.
Applications for the venue and parking are still pending with the City of Brooksville, Hernando County and SunTrust. The cost of the venue is estimated at $36,000. “It will all come together,” Lee said hopefully.
Lee is part of a group that formed The Brooksville Silo Project, a non-profit which aims to beautify agricultural silos into memorable landmarks leading into the city. “Some projects are outside the scope of what the city has the money to do, and we feel that if we can continue to identify… and beautify some things that the city doesn’t own, we can purchase the land from the owners, clean them up, and then give them to the city.” The proceeds from the Brooksville Blueberry Festival will be donated to The Brooksville Silo Project.
The Brooksville Blueberry Festival will be held on April 28 and 29, 2018. Parking and admission are free.
More information is available at: https://brooksvilleblueberryfestival.com/ Enter your email for updates, and a link to a vendor application form. Applications can also be picked up at The Little Lady Cafe.