Patrick Smith Days This Weekend At Forever Florida

By  //  November 2, 2013

rick smith will feature multimedia tour

ABOVE VIDEO: Patrick Smith, author of Florida’s favorite novel, A Land Remembered, is a literary icon. Inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame and nominated multiple times for the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature, in June he was presented the “Great Floridian” award during a personal visit by Florida Governor Rick Scott. 

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — I am scheduled to be at Forever Florida this weekend, Nov. 1-2 as they present their 14th annual Patrick Smith Days, which celebrates all things Florida.

Gov. Scott Hands the Great Floridian Award to Patrick Smith in his Merritt Island home. Smith wrote historic novels about Florida & Indian tribes.
Gov. Scott Hands the Great Floridian Award to Patrick Smith in his Merritt Island home. Smith wrote historic novels about Florida & Indian tribes. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

Patrick Smith, author of Florida’s favorite novel, A Land Remembered, is a literary icon.

Inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame and nominated multiple times for the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature, in June he was presented the “Great Floridian” award during a personal visit by Florida Governor Rick Scott. Smith has clearly made his mark on Florida.

A popular speaker at events all over the state for many years, Patrick no longer goes out. His son Rick, a professional media producer living in California, has taken up the call and is touring Florida with a high energy, multimedia and multi-sensory presentation about his famous father, his life and the experiences that led him to write his books.

PATRICK SMITH has written some amazing books about the pioneer days of Florida inlcuding his most well known historical epic “A Land Remembered.”
PATRICK SMITH has written some amazing books about the pioneer days of Florida inlcuding his most well known historical epic “A Land Remembered.”

Rick’s show combines his own quirky brand of humor and storytelling with videos, family photos, music, sound effects and visual effects to bring this writer’s colorful life into focus.

Patrick himself makes several appearances throughout the video to tell fascinating and humorous stories about key experiences in his life.

I have to admit that a year ago I did not see myself going on the road to do a show about my dad but it just magically came together and took on a life of its own.

I did a sort of “trial run” with the show in January, 2013 and was astounded to find every venue overflowing with a very receptive audience.

A LAND REMEMBERED

In fact, some places had to turn people away. I’ve been invited back to a couple of those same places in October and some have reserved larger auditoriums this time; some seat up to 600 people.

I’m flattered that so many people are interested in my show, but honestly am not surprised at the interest in Dad and his books, or in tales of his colorful life. A Land Remembered just keeps getting more popular all the time, and many places are using it in a “Community Reads” program.

I’m flattered that so many people are interested in my show, but honestly am not surprised at the interest in Dad and his books, or in tales of his colorful life.

Patrick Smith
Patrick Smith

A Land Remembered just keeps getting more popular all the time, and many places are using it in a “Community Reads” program.

Fourth grade teachers often use it and next year it will be used even more extensively in school settings as they switch to the “common core” system in which it can be used to teach just about any subject such as reading, literature, history, agriculture or science.

“A Land Remembered” Coach Safari is a 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. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
“A Land Remembered” Coach Safari is a 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. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

Being a media producer by profession, I had a ball creating this show and I’m adding more juicy bits and what I call “eye candy” to the show and am quite excited about it. Everyone has said they love seeing it and I love doing it.

Libraries, schools, historical societies, retirement communities, performing art centers and museums have all booked me and are great venues. I have a special version of the show that is shortened and more tuned to the interests of elementary school students.

I bring along books and DVDs to sell and am happy to autograph them, although I didn’t write the books. At least my given name is Patrick D. Smith, Jr., so it’s pretty close to the real author.

My Fall schedule is now full but if you are interested in booking me for the Winter tour in January and February of 20, please contact me at Rick@ALandRemembered.com or call 1-888-744-9381.

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE

Rick Smith
Rick Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rick Smith is an award-winning media pro­ducer and his father’s biggest fan. His pas­sion for his sub­ject is clearly evi­dent in this lov­ingly pro­duced pro­gram. Come and enjoy an unfor­get­table jour­ney into a Florida that once was, is no more, and never again will be.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT TeachALandRemembered.com