
“If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, winter will have another flight. But if it be dark with clouds and rain, winter is gone, and will not come again.” So a British folk lore saying predicts the coming weather on February 2nd, also known as American Groundhog Day.
February is a month when, if you are in a cold, wintery part of the world, you are looking and hoping for relief and the turn of spring. Here in Florida, we’re looking forward to more festivals and events to celebrate our temperate climate. Here are some for you to enjoy:
February 1 – 2: The Mount Dora Arts Festival, Mount Dora. The 50th Mount Dora Arts Festival showcases the works of 300 artists. Artists compete for awards in painting, printmaking, photography, jewelry, sculpture and numerous other categories. Art displays are combined with live entertainment and children’s activities. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Admission is free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
February 6 – 17: Florida State Fair, Tampa Bay. Shows, midway rides and games, exhibits, music and shopping as well as a variety of foods available for purchase. $11 adults, $9 seniors, $7 kids. The Florida State Fair is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Highway 301 North. Parking is free during the fair.
February 6 – 17: Florida State Fair, Tampa Bay. Shows, midway rides and games, exhibits, music and shopping as well as a variety of foods available for purchase. $11 adults, $9 seniors, $7 kids. The Florida State Fair is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Highway 301 North. Parking is free during the fair.
February 6 – 17: Florida State Fair, Tampa Bay. Shows, midway rides and games, exhibits, music and shopping as well as a variety of foods available for purchase. $11 adults, $9 seniors, $7 kids. The Florida State Fair is held at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Highway 301 North. Parking is free during the fair.
February 12 – 16: Miami International Boat Show, Miami. Featuring more than 1,000 new vessels and accessories from sport fishing boats and high-performance boats, to personal watercraft and wake sport boats, family cruisers and luxury yachts. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The show will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami. Tickets begin at $45. For more information, go to http://www.miamiboatshow.com.
And…if you can’t choose one or more of these Florida events, maybe you should go see Punxutawney Phil look for his shadow in Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania…again, again and again.