Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
White Springs may be a small town, but that doesn't mean its residents don't know how to have fun. Each year, Suwannee Hardware and Feed plays host to the Sugar Cane Festival. The event is a chance for people from all across the area to celebrate one of the most famous historical activities from Florida. On top of that, it provides the opportunity for people, no matter their age, to enjoy some fun community activities.
Sugarcane was brought to St. Augustine by a Spanish colonial governor named Pedro Menendez de Aviles, in 1565. However, it would take over 200 years before commercial production of the crop began in 1767. This commercial production would come to a halt just 10 years later due to the American Revolution. However, once the United States had set itself apart from Europe, production went back into affect. Now, although local sugarcane farms are not as popular as they once were, the history flows through Floridian blood. It would take a very short amount of time to find a local farmer who still enjoys making cane syrup. Demonstrations of the process will even be available at the festival this year.
This year, the festival will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9. Annually, it boasts a plethora of activities for everyone to enjoy. There will be live bands, street dances, clogging, glass blowing, a pie eating contest, vintage tractors, cane grinding, traditional blacksmithing, goat milk soap making, butter churning, honey bee keeping, old fashioned ice cream, yarn spinning, bowl turning, pottery spinning, axe throwing, chainsaw sculpting and 60 food and craft vendors. That isn't all that is offered, though, as there will also be the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Sugar Cane. The fun won't stop there either, as those with a more competitive streak can take part in the Soap Box Fun Derby.
The Soap Box Fun Derby Booger Bottom Road Course Challenge is open to three different age divisions: 8 to 12, 13 to 17 and 18 and older. The course boasts curves, jumps and sidewinders. There is a $25 entry fee for participants, and the top three spots in each division will receive a reward. Drivers will meet at 11:30 a.m. and at high noon, the first flag will drop, starting the race. To no one's surprise, that still isn't the end of what is offered at the festival, as those interested in vintage automobiles can enjoy the car show.
The Cruise-In and Show Out show is going to be a highlight of the day. The entry fee is $20 and all proceeds will go to the White Springs Food Bank. Dash plaques will be given to the first 50 participants, and awards will be presented for Best of Show, Best Custom, Most Original, Best Rat Rod, Best Motorcycle, Antique Cars, Muscle Cars, Modern Classic, Antique Trucks and Modern Trucks. There will also be a 50/50 raffle attendees can enter.
The Sugar Cane Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Bridge Street in White Springs.