This is a short little festival - generally from
9:00AM to 2:00PM in
Frances Avenue Park - to promote, enjoy, and teach about Florida's "Urban
Fruit" - the loquat. The loquat, which originated in China, is similar - but
different from - a kumquat. The small, sweet yellow-orange colored fruit grows
on a flowering tree, often cultivated as an ornamental plant. It is used to make
jams, jellies, pies and tarts, as well as wine, tea and beer.
The Florida Loquat Festival - thought to be the only loquat festival in the
country - is intended to be a learning experience where attendees can find out
how to grow and cultivate the trees, how to eat the fruit, how to cook with it,
and how to use it to make beer, tea and wine. Recipes are available for those
who want to make their own loquat dishes.
Each year hundreds of loquat trees are available for sale to the public in
various sizes. Fresh loquats and other loquat products and drinks may also be
purchased or sampled. Loquat beer and wine is not available at the festival, nor
are any other alcoholic beverages.
There is no entrance fee for the Florida Loquat Festival. And parking is free at
Frances Avenue Park.
Activities & Facilities
Restaurant
Playground
Picnic shelter
Arts/crafts vendors
Short hiking trails