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Upcoming 2023 -2024 Event Season

Oct. 14, 2023: Scarecrow Festival, 9 am - 4 pm

Oct. 14, 2023: Scarecrow Festival, 9 am - 4 pm

Vendor registration/applications

Experience the most extraordinary Fall Festival of the year! Get ready for a day filled with thrilling activities and captivating entertainment that will leave you and your family in awe.

Join us at the Scarecrow Festival where you can unleash your creativity by building your very own scarecrow and painting pumpkins in our delightful pumpkin patch. And that's not all! We are offering face painting and free family photos to capture these precious moments forever.

Prepare to be amazed by the mesmerizing Sphere's Bubble Show, as seen on Americas Got Talent! Witness the incredible bubbles that will transport you to a world of wonder and enchantment. But wait, there's more! 

Challenge yourself and win fantastic prizes at our thrilling games. Let your children's imagination run wild with our arts and crafts activities, where they can create their own masterpieces to take home. (Mabel Jordan Barn)

Explore our wonderful vendors, offering unique and delightful products that will surely catch your eye.

Be entertained by live performances that will keep you captivated throughout the day, including the Geared-Up Band, dancing Scarecrows, Barking Dogs - Old Time Music, and more.

Indulge in delicious treats from our food trucks, and get up close and personal with adorable animals at our ZHS FFA petting zoo (near the Cane Mill, northwest area of the museum). Marvel at the intricate model trains (Trilby Train Depot) and witness the skill of a blacksmith in action.
Immerse yourself in the past with traditional craft demonstrations and interact with our knowledgeable docents, dressed in period attire, who are ready to educate and entertain in many buildings.

The Echebucsassa Chapter NSDAR is pleased to announce that they will be accepting orders for Wreaths Across America, a program dedicated to honoring fallen veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. Additionally, they will be collecting tattered and torn American flags to ensure their proper disposal, in accordance with respectful protocols.

They are excited to provide valuable information regarding America 250, an initiative aimed at commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States. This nationwide effort seeks to celebrate our nation's rich history and achievements, while fostering a sense of unity and pride among all Americans.

We invite you to join them in these meaningful endeavors as we pay tribute to our brave servicemen and women. Together, let us honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and embrace the spirit of patriotism that defines our great nation. They will be located next to the Yellow 2 story Overstreet House

But that's not all! We have even more surprises in store for you!

Schedule:

Dancing Scarecrows - (have been featured on America's Best Dance Crew on MTV, So You Think You Can Dance on FOX, America's Got Talent and the hit movie Bring it on: In it to Win it!)

Shows at 10 am and 12 noon in front of the yellow 2-story house

Costume Contest - Prepare your best costume and join our Costume Contest for a chance to win amazing prizes. All age groups are welcome to participate at:

Costume Contest 10:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Gazebo in front of the yellow 2 story house.

Sphere's Bubble Show - (As seen on America's Got Talent,)
Shows at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. if front of the large silver Blanton Packing House at the northwest corner of the property. Just past the General Store.

$10 adults, $5 students, Under 5 free
Activities are a nominal fee, live entertainment and shows are included in admission.
Many activities and food are cash only.

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Oct. 20, 2023: Mark Johnson and Emory Lester in Concert 6 pm 

MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP AND PASSES ARE NOT VALID FOR THIS FUNDRAISING EVENT.

Oct. 20, 2023: Mark Johnson and Emory Lester in Concert 6 pm 

Come and experience the magic of live music in a truly unique and historic setting. An unforgettable night under the twinkling stars! Get your discounted advance tickets now. If we have any tickets available at the Gate, they will be $30 each.

Advance tickets available for purchase online now: (Limited tickets)

Adults $20.

Students $10 (college students must provide a valid school ID at entry).

Prepare to have your mind blown by the extraordinary talents of Mark Johnson and Emory Lester! Mark has completely revolutionized the art of clawhammer banjo, adapting its techniques and rhythms to perfectly suit the demands of playing in a bluegrass ensemble. He's even coined his own term for his unique style - Clawgrass! Mark has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in bluegrass and acoustic music.

In fact, Mark's second recording, 'Acoustic Rising' with Emory Lester, was nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007. And that's not all - Mark's music has been featured in a Dodge Grand Caravan commercial, and he was even named the winner of the prestigious Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music Award in 2012. Mark and Emory Lester even performed their incredible clawhammer banjo style on the Late Show with David Letterman! 

Emory Lester is a true master of the mandolin. He has performed all over the world with some of the biggest names in bluegrass, including Del McCoury, Tony Rice, and Steve Martin. He's even released nine solo albums!

Together, Mark and Emory are an unstoppable force. They recently returned from a sold-out European tour and have even made appearances at the Grand Old Opry! If you're a fan of bluegrass or acoustic music, you simply can't miss the chance to see these two incredible musicians perform together. Get ready to be amazed and blown away by their incredible talent! Sarasota Herald Tribune Video

Live music, dinner and drinks available for purchase (a menu will be provided on our website closer to the date.

Seating is limited, lawn chairs and blankets welcome.
No coolers, pets, smoking or outside food (only if you have a food allergy) or outside alcohol.

• Gates and parking open at 5:30 pm
• Food and drink available for purchase 6 pm
• The Barking Dogs - Old-time Music Band will play at 6 pm.
• Mark Johnson and Emory Lester will play at 7 pm.

MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP AND PASSES ARE NOT VALID FOR THIS FUNDRAISING EVENT.

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Oct. 28, 2023: Florida Territory, Living History Event, 10 am - 4 pm 

Oct. 28, 2023: Florida Territory, Living History Event, 10 am - 4 pm

Saturday, Event Day is $10 for adults and $5 students, children under 5 are free.

A living history event depicting Florida history before 1845: pre-history/archeological, pre-Columbian (15^th Century and before), Spanish Colonial Period, Seven Years/Revolutionary War, Patriot War/War of 1812, Seminole Wars.

Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this (publication) (program) (exhibition) (website) do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Florida Territory Field Trip Day, Friday, October 27 (9am-1pm)

Pre-registration required for Field Trip Day

Friday, Field Trip Day is $8 for students and chaperones. Under 5 is free.

Field Trip Payment Only Link

Educational Resources available

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Nov 18, 2023:  Civil War Living History Event, 10 am - 4 pm

Field trip day, Friday, Nov. 17 (9am-1pm)

Nov 18, 2023:  Civil War Living History Event, 10 am - 4 pm

Field trip day, Friday, Nov. 17 (9am-1pm)

Pre-registration required for Field Trip Day

Lesson plans available in pre-registration form

Florida State Standards Addressed by this field trip include, but are not limited to:
SS.4.A.5 - Crisis of the Union: Civil War and Reconstruction in Florida
SS.8.A.5 - Examine the causes, course, and consequence of the Civil War and Reconstruction including its effects on American peoples.
SS.912.A.2 - Understand the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War and Reconstruction and its effects on the American people.    

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Dec. 2, 2023: Pioneer Christmas, 10 am - 4 pm

Dec. 2, 2023: Pioneer Christmas, 10 am - 4 pm

Vendor registration/applications

 Dec. 2, 2023: Pioneer Christmas, 10 am - 4 pm

Join us for an unforgettable Christmas extravaganza! Get your tickets at the gate (only) and prepare for a day filled with festive fun and excitement. 

Discover a treasure trove of unique vendors, offering the perfect Christmas presents for your loved ones. Indulge in delicious treats from our mouthwatering food trucks, while enjoying live entertainment that will leave you in awe, including the Barking Dogs (Old Time Music).

Prepare to be amazed by the incredible talents of GiGi and Friends, a former member of the renowned Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus. And that's not all! Mr. Tommy, the composer, author, and former musical director and lead guitarist for rocker Eddie Money, will be making a rare appearance as the beloved children's entertainer, Mr. Tommy.

Prepare to be dazzled by our Dancing Elves (pictured below with Santa), an acrobatic dance company renowned for their high-energy performances. With appearances on popular shows like Americas Dance Crew on MTV, So You Think You Can Dance on FOX, America's Got Talent and the hit movie Bring it on: In it to Win it! They have traveled the world with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters and FELD entertainment with Disney Live.

Immerse yourself in the world of crafts with captivating demonstrations, and let your children join in the reindeer games. They can even create their own arts and crafts ornaments to take home as cherished keepsakes. Don't forget to capture the magic with family photos and sing along to heartwarming Christmas carols.

But that's not all! We're also supporting a noble cause with Skunk Rescue, and our buildings are beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations. Engage with our knowledgeable docents, dressed in charming time period attire, and try your luck at winning a stunning quilt in our raffle.

Marvel at the intricate model trains and witness the skill of blacksmiths in captivating demonstrations.

Let your little ones' imaginations soar with face painting and embark on a thrilling Gnome Scavenger Hunt, with exciting prizes awaiting the winners.

And of course, don't miss the chance to capture a magical moment with Santa himself! From 10 am to 11:30 am, you can have your photo taken with Santa.

*Accepting canned goods and toys for the needy at the gates.

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 Dec. 8, 2023: Dade City Christmas Parade - downtown Dade City

Dec. 8, 2023: Dade City Christmas Parade - downtown Dade City

Presented by: Rocycle, Saint Leo University, and AdventHealth Dade City

More information and an application link below Registration will close the Monday before Thanksgiving or when we reach capacity.

Dade City Christmas Parade - Parade Application

Parade Entry Payment Link ONLY, please register first.

No outside vendors, City of Dade City Merchants only

PARADE SPONSORS NEEDED

 Parade Sponsor Payment Link ONLY, please register first.

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 2024

Vendor registration/applications

• Jan. 13, 2024: Raising Cane and Moonshine Festival, 10 am - 4 pm
• Feb. 3, 2024: Farm Festival and Quilt Show, 10 am - 4 pm
• March 2, 2024: Cracker Cowboy Day, 10 am - 4 pm
• Mar. 16, 2024: Jelly Bean Fling, 10 am - 4 pm

• April 20, 2024: WWII, Living History Event, 10 am - 4 pm
• Field trip day, Friday, Apr. 19 (9am-1pm) 

Pre-registration required for Field Trip Day

Lesson plans available in pre-registration form

Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SS.4.A.1.1: Analyze primary and secondary resources to identify significant individuals and events throughout Florida history.

SS.4.A.8.1: Identify Florida's role in the Civil Rights Movement.

SS.912.A.1.2: Utilize a variety of primary and secondary sources to identify author, historical significance, audience, and authenticity to understand a historical period.

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