OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The city of Ocala is rich in history with many streets having historical Native American names like Tuscawilla and Watula, and ongoing learning events from those at Fort King to the Ocklawaha River Raid. Even the city’s name comes from the Timucuan word for ‘big hammock.’ Ocali. It was the name the extinct tribe gave their village.
Transport back in time to the 19th century at Ocali Country Days at the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center on November 11 and 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
This 1800s-themed folk fair features craftsmen and women demonstrating old pioneer skills and crafts that have fallen by the wayside, as well as a variety of displays and activities depicting life as it was in Marion County back then.
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Historical re-enactors will give festivalgoers a taste of life on a farmstead, while traditional craft demonstrations showcase the arts of woodworking, blacksmithing, quilting, spinning, sugarcane syrup-making, and more. Plus, you can check out the park on a jeep tram ride.
Listen to storytellers and live music, enjoy delicious food, and pick up a few Christmas presents while you’re there from one of the many artisans selling their wares. You can even tour a Civil War encampment.
Guest speakers from the Seminole Tribe of Florida will be talking about Native American culture, and you’ll be able to tour the museum which is part of the Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) system.
Kevin Christian, Director of Public Relations for MCPS, says that Ocali Country Days is a very unique way to experience life in our area long before the modern conveniences we enjoy today.
“From pioneers and a one-room schoolhouse to storytellers and more, this special weekend is a special time for our community,” Mr. Christian tells us. “Long before State Road 200, long before our beautiful horse farms, even long before the Ocala Downtown Square, there was life along the Silver River and its community.”
The museum and festival are inside Silver Springs State Park with entry off of Baseline Road (State Road 35) south of Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40). Admission is $8 per person ages six and older. Children ages five and younger may enter for free. For more information, click here.