Capacity crowd enjoyed the afternoon at the Merritt Island Historic Homestead
WATCH: The Friday Night Locker Room’s Steve Wilson and Lisa Nicholas broadcast a portion of Field Manor’s 11th Annual Founders Day on Space Coast Daily TV. A capacity crowd enjoyed all the day’s festivities.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Field Manor, a historic 19th-century homestead on Merritt Island, celebrated its 11th Annual Founders’ Day Fundraiser on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
This milestone event, which commemorates the Field family’s arrival on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon in 1868, serves as a primary fundraiser for the Field Manor Foundation (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) to support its mission of preserving Florida’s pioneer history.
Lisa Nicholas and I broadcast a portion of the event on Space Coast Daily TV. The crowd was really into the day’s activities, everything from a tour of the house to the Hot Pink band was spot on!
Large crowd enjoys Field Manor’s 11th Annual Founders Day. Field Manor, a historic 19th-century homestead on Merritt Island, celebrated its 11th Annual Founders’ Day Fundraiser on Saturday, April 4, 2026. This milestone event, which commemorates the Field family’s arrival on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon in 1868, serves as a primary fundraiser for the Field Manor Foundation (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) to support its mission of preserving Florida’s pioneer history.
Executive Director, Korinn Braden, and everyone associated with Field Manor could not have been more pleasant.
The 11th annual celebration brought together a capacity crowd for an afternoon of “Old Florida” charm. The event featured a vibrant atmosphere on the manor’s riverfront lawn, including:
• Live Entertainment: The popular Central Florida band HOT PINK performed for their third consecutive Founders’ Day, drawing crowds to the stage starting at noon.
• Local Flavors: A variety of guest food trucks provided sweet and savory options, while Bugnutty Brewing Co. served local brews as the official beer sponsor.
• Vendor Market: A curated market showcased locally grown and handmade products from popular area vendors.
• Interactive History: Attendees participated in tours of the 1880s homestead museum, which remains one of the oldest standing structures on Merritt Island.
• Fundraising Activities: The event included a silent auction and a 50/50 cash raffle to further support the foundation’s restoration and educational efforts.
Interior tours were given at Field Manor’s 11th Annual Founders Day. Field Manor, a historic 19th-century homestead on Merritt Island, celebrated its 11th Annual Founders’ Day Fundraiser on Saturday, April 4, 2026. This milestone event, which commemorates the Field family’s arrival on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon in 1868, serves as a primary fundraiser for the Field Manor Foundation (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) to support its mission of preserving Florida’s pioneer history.
Preserving the Pioneer Legacy
Founders’ Day is one of two flagship fundraisers held annually at the 45-acre site. The property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once a thriving citrus grove and homestead for three generations of the Field family. Today, the Field Manor Foundation uses these events to educate the public on early Florida agriculture and the culture of the region’s native inhabitants, such as the Ais people.
Beyond its annual festivals, Field Manor is recognized as a premier waterfront venue for weddings and community gatherings, often praised by reviewers on WeddingWire and The Knot for its scenic sunsets and historic charm.
Hot Pink (pictured) was a crowd favorite at Field Manor’s 11th Annual Founders Day. Field Manor, a historic 19th-century homestead on Merritt Island, celebrated its 11th Annual Founders’ Day Fundraiser on Saturday, April 4, 2026. This milestone event, which commemorates the Field family’s arrival on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon in 1868, serves as a primary fundraiser for the Field Manor Foundation (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) to support its mission of preserving Florida’s pioneer history.Two of the many volunteers at Field Manor’s 11th Annual Founders Day. Field Manor, a historic 19th-century homestead on Merritt Island, celebrated its 11th Annual Founders’ Day Fundraiser on Saturday, April 4, 2026. This milestone event, which commemorates the Field family’s arrival on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon in 1868, serves as a primary fundraiser for the Field Manor Foundation (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) to support its mission of preserving Florida’s pioneer history.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steve Wilson moved to Brevard County in 1984 and has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports and the space industry, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.
Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.
Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida House District 32 Constituent of the Week 4/20/25.
Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.
He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 26 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.
The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.
