Patrick Smith Days At Forever Florida Nov. 16-18
By Space Coast Daily // November 17, 2012
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
(ABOVE VIDEO: KissimmeeInSight)
FOREVER FLORDA – This weekend Forever Florida is presenting their 13th annual Patrick Smith Days, which celebrates all things Florida.
This popular and unique annual event, which will run Nov. 16 – 18, is in honor of Patrick Smith, a great storyteller, author and historian who’s been recognized as “the greatest living Floridian” by the Florida Historical Society.
He’s written some amazing books about the pioneer days of Florida inlcuding his most well known historical epic “A Land Remembered.”
“We love Patrick Smith’s books because they’re filled with so much of what makes Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida special including the animals, pristine natural ecosystems and above all else – adventure,” said Margaret Broussard of Forever Florida.
All the proceeds from these special Patrick Smith Days activities go to benefit the Allen Broussard Conservancy, a 501C3 nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Florida’s wilderness.
SPECIAL COACH SAFARI
During the festival, Forever Florida is offering the “A Land Remembered” Coach Safari.
The special fully-guided two hour tour of Forever Florida highlights the pristine ecosystems of the conservation lands and the working Crescent J Ranch tied into the amazing stories told by Patrick Smith. It’s a special journey through the settings of Patrick Smith’s works that’s only available during Patrick Smith Weekend.
Tickets are $32 for adults, $28 ages 6-11, and kids ages 5 and under are free if they are sitting on a parent’s lap.
“On Saturday Nov. 17 we’ll welcome artists,authors and artisans to diplay their Florida heritage wares,” said Brossard.
“A special private BBQ lunch will be offered in the Cypress Restaurant at 12 noon featuring keynote speaker Charlie Bronson telling the tale of Florida’s unique Cracker Horses as you enjoy a great meal, all for just $15 per person with proceeds benefitting the conservation efforts of the Allen Broussard Conservancy.”
RANCH SORTING COMPETITION
All day Saturday, a special Ranch Sorting Competition will be held in the Crescent J Ranch Corral with fun for spectators and competitors alike.
The timed challenge will have teams on horseback competing to be the best at moving cattle and sorting through the herd in a fast paced game of horse and cow.
“This is competion Florida cowhunter style and not to be missed by any spectators,” said Forever Florida Board Member Dr. Jim Palermo. “There’s no charge for spectators to come in, enjoy the vendors and view the competition so plan to make a day of it.
For this year, Forever Florida has set up a very special adventure for those wanting the real experience of the Florida pioneers found in Patrick Smith’s books.
On Saturday Nov. 17 a Patrick Smith themed Overnight Horseback Safari will be heading out for an adventure into the conservation lands including six total hours of scenic riding (three out, three back the next day), overnight camping, meals and stories around the campfire, all led by your cowhunter guide.
Your adventure starts with the 12 noon BBQ lunch featuring keynote speaker Charlie Bronson before heading out into wild Florida. The Overnight Horseback Safari is $199 per person and includes three meals, guides and horses. Just bring your sleeping bag and a sprit of adventure. Participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh no more than 275 pounds to participate.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 407-957-9794 OR LOG ON TO ForeverFlorida.com
Forever Florida is located at 4755 N. Kenansville Road in St. Cloud, Florida
