Yearly event in this centuries old fishing town, a celebration of the nautical history of the area, as well as the art community.
The community of Homosassa is known for, great seafood and unique artwork. So when the Homosassa Civic Club was tasked with hosting an annual event, combining the two and creating the Homosassa Arts, Crafts, and Seafood Festival seemed like the obvious way to go.
Dating all the way back to 1974, the Homosassa Arts, Crafts, and Seafood Festival has grown into one of the largest annual events in the area and is definitely one that folks look forward to. This year, the festival is scheduled to take place in the Homosassa Historic District on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15.
A $2 donation is required for adults and kids are free. Also, before you make the drive with Fido, you should know that pets are not allowed at this event.
The Creative Side: Arts & Crafts
The arts and crafts exhibits will include judged and non-judged exhibits featuring all types of artwork. There is always a heavy emphasis on paintings, drawings, and photographs, but other exhibits will include jewelry, wood art, and other handmade crafts.
The judged exhibits will be broken into three categories: Two Dimensional Arts, Three Dimensional Arts, and Crafts. First, Second, and Third place prizes will be awarded to winners in the Two and Three Dimensional Arts categories. Then a $1,200 grand prize will be awarded to the exhibit judged to be “Best in Show.”
http://blog.citrushills.com/blog/pottery-art-unique-museums-in-homosassa
If you are interested in applying for a booth to display your work, you can find an application on the festival’s website.
http://www.homosassaseafoodfestival.org/
The Hungry Side: Seafood Vendors
Part of the local culture in Homosassa revolves around the fact that it is located on the Gulf Coast. Many residents make their living through commercial fishing or as charter guides for recreational fishing, so it is only natural that seafood would play a key role in any annual local festival.
The Homosassa Arts, Crafts, and Seafood Festival will be packed with local food vendors serving a wide variety of delicious seafood. You will be able to try everything from fried catfish and conch fritters to seafood pastas and gourmet scallops.
In addition to seafood, vendors will also be serving up other local favorites such as gator tail!
The Festival T-Shirt
One vendor booth that won’t be selling any food at all will be the one selling the annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts, and Seafood Festival t-shirts. These shirts have become as much a part of the tradition as the festival itself.
Every year, local artists come together to submit designs for the festival t-shirt. This year, the t-shirt design is the work of Gil Watson.
You won’t want to leave the festival without one of these collector’s items. And if you have a t-shirt from past years, this weekend is the perfect time to break it out!
Getting to the Festival
If you haven’t made the trip to Homosassa yet, it’s just about a half hour drive southwest of the Villages of Citrus Hills. Take 44 west through Lecanto and then head southwest on 490. The following link will take you to the festival’s website for directions.
http://www.homosassaseafoodfestival.org/
The Nature Coast Young Marines will be assisting with parking cars in the Riverside Resort Field right next to the event for $3.
Try to make time to visit the Homosassa Arts, Crafts, and Seafood Festival and enjoy an atmosphere where the entire community comes together to appreciate two of our absolute favorite things.