One of the oldest annual festivals in
Florida, the event dubbed the "Pine Tree Festival" in 1955 was originally held
to educate the public on how to prevent forest fires that were crippling the
timber industry. The festival accomplished its goal, and by 1965 Taylor county
had preserved its forests. Florida governor Hayden Burns and the Florida cabinet
proclaimed Taylor County the "Tree Capital of the South". That same year, the
Pine Tree Festival was renamed as the "Florida Forest Festival".
Although advertised as a one-day festival, a variety of local events lead up to
"Festival Day". The kick-off is the Miss Florida Forest Festival Queen Pageant,
and the Little King & Queen Pageant held on the Saturday prior to the festival.
Beginning on Wednesday, a carnival is set up at the festival, and fireworks are
shot off on thursday evening at the Perry-Foley airport. Friday events include a
dog show in downtown
Perry, the Gaslight Parade in the evening, followed by a
dance and concert, and antique car cruise-in.
On Saturday, the day of the festival, the King Tree Parade and a 5-K run are
held in the downtown area. Then the festivities move to the main event venue at
Forest Capital Museum State Park, just south of Perry. Live entertainment is
provided from noon until the festival closes at the end of the day. Featured
events are the lumberjack shows, including chainsaw, cross cut and loader
competitions.
One of the highlights of the festival is the "World's largest FREE fish fry" -
which begins a noon.
Activities & Facilities
Restaurant
Picnic shelter
Dogs allowed
Arts/crafts vendors
Carnival games/rides
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails