OCALA, FL (352today.com) – On Saturday, Aug. 12, thousands of Floridians flocked to the fifth annual North Central Florida Outdoor Expo to enjoy the outdoors while staying inside and out of the heat. The National Weather Service office (NWS) in Jacksonville issue an excessive heat warning for Marion County making this event a perfect escape from the blistering temperatures.

The event organizers say this year’s expo was a resounding success, with a 14% increase in attendance from the previous year and a record number of vendors participating, 167 in all. More than 7,000 attendees gathered in the air-conditioned Expo Center 2 at Ocala’s own World Equestrian Center. At the event’s opening at 9 a.m., the line was already stretching out the door. Meanwhile outside, the mercury rose throughout the day setting a record of 100 degrees in Ocala according to the NWS.

Eager expo attendees were lined up to get in before doors opened at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023.

Marion County Animal Services (MCAS) ran one of the event’s most successful booths. All of the shelter dogs MCAS brought were adopted or fostered by attendees. This is part of its Clear the Shelters Month initiative to promote pet adoption throughout the month of August. 

Kristina from vendor Russell’s adopted Esther at the end of the day!

Other vendors said they had a great experience at the event, too.

“It was a great showing,” said Jason Warren with Warren’s Power Washing. He says his business received “82 entries for our free exterior wash with 26 of those wanting estimates.”

At just $5 per adult ticket, activities included shopping, demonstrations, giveaways and both real and simulated sports like archery, ax-throwing and fishing. A great way to spend the day when temperatures outside were brutal – feeling like 115 degrees with the heat index.

Debbie Craig of Chet Craig Plumbing said, “The outdoor expo was an amazing place to showcase everything outdoors, inside!!!!”

The expo is produced by 352today’s parent company, North Central Florida Media (NCFM).  NCFM thanks Platinum Sponsors Black Label Marine Group LLC and Jenkins Subaru of Ocala for making this event possible.

A portion of the proceeds from the expo go to the faith-based, non-profit 10 Can, Inc.

Get Stretch’d helped visitors wind down after a full day of activities.
A shelter dog shakes hands with an equestrian.
Debbie Craig (left) poses with Kathy & Mr. Bob from 93.7 K-Country in a Chet Craig Plumbing cutout stand.
Even kids could throw axes at this family-friendly inflatable range.