Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Heritage Square in downtown Live Oak will be bustling with activity on Saturday, Feb. 1, as the Second Annual All Aboard Festival returns to Suwannee County. The family-friendly event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with music beginning at 10 a.m. There will be a variety of activities available for attendees of all ages, including an antique car show, docent-led tours of the newly renovated museum, a touch-a-truck area, kiddie rides, games and more. Food trucks, vendors and local authors will also be on hand, providing something for everyone. Visitors are encouraged to stop by downtown merchants while enjoying the festival. The All Aboard Festival is one of two events organized and hosted by Suwannee Festivals, a collaborative effort of the Suwannee River Regional Library, UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension, and the Live Oak Artists Guild. The event is part of Suwannee Festivals' ongoing mission to bring the community together and celebrate local heritage and entrepreneurship. "The community really supported our first effort," said Katherine Allen, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension. "Last year, we weren't sure how many attendees would come. It was fantastic to see how many people came downtown to support local entrepreneurial efforts, whether it was a food truck or a new crafter. This is a great time to learn about other organizations in our community." "We love the opportunity to showcase some of the heritage in our community," said Chelsea Wenz, Staff Assistant at UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension and former curator at the Suwannee County Historical Museum. "We love that the Chamber, North Florida College, and the Museum were open for tours; the Live Oak Fire Department had 'Old Bessie' out for photos; and local historians were on hand to share little-known facts." Additionally, Suwannee Festivals is also preparing for its next event, the Wildflower Festival, which will take place on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Park and Gardens. "I have wanted to have a wildflower festival for years. It is amazing how we can make a dream a reality if everyone pitches in," said Anda Chance, President of the Live Oak Artists Guild. "Plus, who doesn't like wildflowers?" While the inaugural Suwannee Festivals events benefited from grant funding, this year's festivals are grassroots efforts supported by volunteers and local partnerships. "We couldn't make these festivals happen without volunteers and our partners throughout the county and city," said Allen. "Everyone has been great about pitching in and helping make something for us all to enjoy, but we need help with sponsors to cover insurance and a little marketing."