The Blue Spring State Park Manatee Festival is an annual event that takes place in Orange City, Florida, during the winter months when manatees migrate to the warmer waters of Blue Spring State Park. This festival is a significant fundraiser for the Orange City community, with proceeds benefiting “Friends of Blue Spring State Park”, educational scholarships, and other Greater Orange City Organizations.
What to Expect at the Blue Spring State Park Manatee Festival
The Blue Spring State Park Manatee Festival offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. These include:
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Food, Fun, Art, and Crafts: The festival features a variety of food vendors, offering delicious local cuisine and treats. Visitors can also browse through an array of art and craft stalls, showcasing the talents of local artisans.
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Continuous Entertainment: The festival provides continuous entertainment for the whole family, with live music, performances, and interactive exhibits.
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Manatee Observation: The primary draw of the festival is the opportunity to observe manatees up close in their natural habitat, as they gather in the warm waters of Blue Spring State Park.
Location and Admission
The Manatee Festival takes place at Blue Spring State Park, located at 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763. The park is open from 8:00 AM to sundown, 365 days a year, and during the festival, the park’s hours are extended to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Admission to the park is $6 per vehicle for up to 8 people, $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians or cyclists. The Manatee Festival itself is a ticketed event, with tickets available for purchase through Eventbrite. The cost of tickets varies depending on the day and the specific events or activities included.
Conservation Efforts at the Blue Spring State Park Manatee Festival
The Manatee Festival is not just a celebration of manatees but also a platform for raising awareness about their conservation. The festival’s organizers work closely with local conservation organizations to promote responsible boating, waste disposal, and other practices that help protect manatees and their habitat.
Year-Round Activities at Blue Spring State Park
In addition to the Manatee Festival, Blue Spring State Park offers a range of recreational activities throughout the year. These include:
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
- Hiking trails
- Picnic areas
- Campground
Manatee Refuge at Blue Spring State Park
One interesting fact about Blue Spring State Park is that it is designated as a Manatee Refuge, providing a safe haven for manatees during the winter months. The park’s clear waters make it an ideal location for observing manatees, with underwater cameras allowing visitors to see these gentle giants up close.
Conclusion
The Blue Spring State Park Manatee Festival is a must-visit event for State Park touring enthusiasts who want to observe manatees in their natural habitat while supporting conservation efforts. With its range of activities, attractions, and educational opportunities, the festival offers something for everyone.
References:
– Manatee Festival in Orange City a chance to see manatees and more
– Blue Spring State Park Blue Spring Orange City Manatee Festival Day 1 Tickets
– Wekiva Wild and Scenic Rivers System – Blue Spring State Park Manatee Festival
– The Manatee Festival
– Visit West Volusia – Manatee Festival