Monday, October 13, 2008

Kolomoki Festival

The 38th Annual Kolomoki Festival was taking place while we were at the park camping with B's boy scouts. It was surprisingly well-attended. There was quite the variety from an entertainment stage where young dance teams performed to flint knappers to craft and food booths to a pontoon boat ride.

I was particularly fascinated by a woman blacksmith. I have never seen one before.

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Here, the picture gives the illusion that her shirt is on fire!

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There were weavers and spinners:

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Flint knappers (as mentioned):

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A potter:

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There were wildlife displays. This alligator skull came from a 13- footer that was killed in the river.

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The crafts included marshmallow shooters in a rainbow of choices!

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Other crafts were more refined, including some beautiful wood work. One of our group bought a large box built to high standards, for a reasonable price.

We enjoyed a 30-minute ride on a large pontoon boat. Two young rangers from the park described how Indians used the local, native plants that were pointed out growing on the banks.

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There was also an antique tractor parade! It was fun to see the variety of tractors as well as the variety of folks driving them!

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But this one was the best for us: check it out!

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We went to talk to the driver/owner after the parade. He did an excellent job of telling about his project. If we remember correctly, it was a 1952 Standard Twin. He had added most of the back so that his grandkids could ride with him. He had a wonderful personality that came through as he spoke.

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It was a fun time and we recommend that you check it out sometime.

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