2013 Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival

Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival
March 23, 2013
DeLand, Florida

Come celebrate 500 years of La Florida on March 23 at the Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival in beautiful downtown DeLand. The family-friendly festival, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. along West Indiana Avenue, will feature speakers, vendors, workshops and entertainment, as well as a coloring contest and hands-on gardening and art activities for kids.

Florida was named by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, who landed on its shores in spring 1513 during Pasqua Florida, Spain’s Easter celebration. Roughly translated, La Florida means “land of flowers.”

DeLand’s mayor, Robert F. Apgar, will kick off the event with a short ceremony at 9 a.m., during which he will present a city proclamation that salutes Florida’s five centuries of history, culture and natural heritage.

Vendors along West Indiana Avenue will offer potted wildflowers and plants, wildflower seeds, garden utensils, yard ornaments, books and much more. Joining them will be organizations such as the Florida Wildflower Foundation, which will offer free resources to gardeners. There also will be hands-on gardening workshops at Chess Park, which adjoins Indiana Avenue.

Educational presentations will take place throughout the day at the historic Athens Theater, 124 N. Florida Ave., Deland. Among the speakers are Tom MacCubbin, former UF/IFAS extension agent and popular radio and television host of “Better Lawns and Gardens,” and wildflower expert Dr. Walter Taylor, author of three books on Florida’s wildflowers and grasses. A DJ will provide entertainment throughout the day. Those attending the festival are invited to take a break at one of the many nearby restaurants or explore unique shops. For a directory, visit mainstreetdeland.org.

A free shuttle with run throughout the day between the Wildflower & Garden Festival and the DeLand Outdoor Art Festival at nearby Earl Brown Park. Don’t miss the art festival’s 150 booths.

2013 Florida Wildflower & Garden Festival sponsors and partners include MainStreet DeLand Association, Florida Wildflower Foundation, University of Florida/IFAS Volusia County Extension Office, Quality Green Specialists, Inc., River of Lakes Heritage Corridor and Museum of Florida Art.

For more information on the event, visit www.floridawildflowerfestival.com.