**Updated to reflect an event cancellation and to add more indoor events.
OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Daytona may be home to “The Great American Race” aka the Daytona 500. But, about an hour southwest from Daytona a small Lake County town is known as the home of the longest, continuously running birthday celebration in the U.S. of America’s first president, George Washington.
This year marks the 122nd celebration of Georgefest in Eustis.
The city celebrates George Washington’s birthday during a week-long, family-friendly event that starts Saturday, Feb. 17.
Though the weekend weather forecast isn’t ideal, as of Friday, Georgefest organizers said they will be pressing forward with the event. They say they are closely watching the weather and will make a determination regarding Saturday’s concert around mid-day on Saturday.
|WEEKEND FORECAST: Sorry! Soggy weekend on tap for North Central Florida
Eustis 122nd Annual Georgefest: The event runs from February 17-24. It kicks off with a concert featuring Bryce Mauldin on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Feb. 18, activities start at sunrise with a bass fishing tournament, a chili cook off at 2 p.m. and ice cream social at 5:3o p.m. There are other live performances throughout the week, as well as carnival rides and games in downtown Eustis and Ferran Park.
Starlab Planetarium Shows: StarLab is an inflatable planetarium that brings the wonder of the night sky, the solar systems, and even the Galaxy indoors at Discovery Center which is located at 701 NE Sanchez Ave. in Ocala. Shows are on Saturday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and last 30 minutes. Cost is $8.
Dunnellon Farm Days: This family-friendly event says it’s voted the best bluegrass jam on the banks of the Withlacoochee River. It features an antique tractor/equipment show and tractor parade from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, Feb. 17, at 19737 SE 127th Terrace in Dunnellon.
Open Family Skate: Roll on over to Skate A Way South for an open family skate from 1-4 p.m. The rink is located at 2008 E Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala. Cost is $9; $7 if you have your own skates.
Brown’s Strawberry Festival: Pick strawberries, listen to music, shop for crafts at Brown & Brown Farms at 13940 Highway 301 in Oxford on Saturday, Feb. 17, and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $14.95. Discounts available for kids and seniors. UPDATE: EVENT CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
Winter Spectacular Show Series: This is week seven of the 12-week premier hunter/level 6 jumper circuit. Competition runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. taking place daily at multiple indoor and outdoor arenas at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala.
|MOVIE REVIEW: Not in love with “Bob Marley: One Love”
In the Air Tonight: Celebrating the Music of Phil Collins & Genesis: Rick Snider’s voice brings the power and emotion of Phil Collins’ songs to life on stage at the Reilly Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25-50.
Discover more things to do in North Central Florida by browsing the 352today events page.