Lemon Bay Festival Has Begun

The 18th annual Lemon Bay Festival runs February 1 – 8 so mark your calendars to experience “Englewood History with a Little Zest.” The week-long event features fun and educational programs for the whole family. Programs are scheduled at historical locations, Englewood Beach, Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street and Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 N. Access Road. Attend one of the programs and receive a coupon for 10% off at Mango Bistro, 301 W. Dearborn St. or get a free pass to the Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Rd. Be sure to go on one of the historical tours of Englewood Village provided throughout the week with guides from the Englewood Museum. To schedule a tour, call Old Florida Gallery at 460-1561.

Featured Events

Saturday, February 1

10:30am – Sarasota Prehistoric Underwater Sites
WMS/LSS Archaeological Society will speak about local underwater sites. Elsie Quirk Meeting Room.

1pm – Music with David Kilbride
David Kilbride will play guitar and sing popular songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Englewood Charlotte Library Meeting Room.

Sunday, February 2

1 to 3pm – Lemon Bay Woman’s Club Open House
Tour the historic home that houses the Lemon Bay Woman’s Club, intersection of Cocoanut Ave. and Maple St. Enjoy refreshments, quilting and craft demonstrations.

Monday, February 3

10:30am – Native Plants for Birds
In this class led by a presenter from Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension, you will learn how to attract songbirds with native plants. Elsie Quirk Library Meeting Room.

2pm and 5pm – Patrick Smith’s Florida: A Sense of Place
This film includes fascinating stories of Patrick Smith’s life, adventures, experiences and Florida’s past which led the author to write his novel “A Land Remembered.” Elsie Quirk Library Meeting Room.

Tuesday, February 4

10:30am – Randall Research Center
Cindy Bell will discuss ethnobotany as revealed from excavations at Pineland. Englewood Charlotte Library Meeting Room.

10:30am – Prehistoric Snowbirds
Discover the prehistory of humans in Florida and find out just how long folks have been living seasonally in the state. Elsie Quirk Library Meeting Room.

2pm – American Roots
Music Roadshow
Lisa Brande and Mark Trchka with East Street Duo will present an upbeat program featuring bluegrass, old-time, country and zydeco. Elsie Quirk Library Meeting Room.

Wednesday, February 5

10:30am – Historic Spanish Point
John McCarthy, director of Historic Spanish Point, will discuss this landmark’s historical significance. Englewood Charlotte Library Meeting Room.

10:30am – How Women Won the Vote
Englewood Museum will give a presentation about the historic topic in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of women’s suffrage. Elsie Quirk Meeting Room.

2pm – “Cracker: The Last Cowmen of Florida”
For more than 250 years, cowmen have ridden the plains of central Florida. This film captures the beauty of the old ways with the drama of encroaching civilization. Elsie Quirk Library Meeting Room.

Thursday, February 6

10:30 to 11am – Beach Storytime
Learn the history of Valentine’s Day at Englewood Beach and enjoy a story & seasonal craft. Englewood Beach, Pavilion 3, 2100 N. Beach Rd.

2pm – Florida: Facts and Fiction
Join Crystal Diff from the Charlotte County Historical Society and discover Florida’s past. Englewood Charlotte Library Meeting Room.

Friday, February 7

10:30am – Music with David Kilbride
David Kilbride will play guitar and sing popular songs from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Elsie Quirk Library Meeting Room.

10:30am – Calusa: The Fierce People
Learn about some of Florida’s earliest settlers and their great accomplishments in the prehistoric world from Crystal Diff with the Charlotte Country History Center. Englewood Charlotte Library Meeting Room.

1 to 4pm – Cookie House Tours
Take a historic tour of the Cookie House. Sponsored by the Charlotte County Historical Center. Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Rd.

2pm – The Punta Gorda History Center
Gene Murtha will discuss early Punta Gorda and Englewood connections. Englewood Charlotte Library, outside north entrance.

2pm – The Living Gulf Coast: Exploring Our Natural Treasures
Author Charles Sobczak provides a presentation on the many parks, preserves and eco-destinations found in Southwest Florida. Elsie Quirk Library Meeting Room.

Saturday, February 8

10am to 4pm – Cracker Fair and Lemon Dessert Contest
Free festivities for the whole family: games, crafts, artists, local authors, music, food vendors, cowboys and more. Scheduled musical artists are John Tuff and Friends, Paul Chantey and James Hawkins. Get out your recipes now for the Lemon Dessert Contest. Desserts must contain lemons as the main ingredient. Entry forms are available in Englewood libraries and online at lemonbayhistory.com/crackerfair. Dearborn Street Plaza, 300 block W. Dearborn St.