Take a step back in time and celebrate a promising future at the Town of Davie’s 83rd annual Orange Blossom Festival, taking place February 28th through March 1st. The signature event showcases the community’s agricultural roots and historical background.
“Davie’s roots are entrenched in agriculture. With more than 1,900 acres of open space, numerous livestock areas, and several local agricultural businesses, it’s important to celebrate what makes Davie so special,” explains Special Events Coordinator Simone James-Crichton. “The Orange Blossom Festival serves as a reminder that we’re still here and still going strong.”
She says a lot has changed since the event started 83 years ago. “The first festival was comprised of a picnic and fruit stands that farmers set up on the banks of the C-11 Canal. Now the Orange Blossom Festival has expanded to a weekend-long event which includes a golf tournament, rodeo, parade, concerts, and so much more.”
The festivities begin on Friday with the 8th annual Orange Blossom Memorial Golf Classic at the Davie Golf Club, followed by the Orange Blossom Kickoff Concert featuring classic rock band RemaDee performing at the Old Davie School House.
The Orange Blossom Parade rolls through town on Saturday morning, starting at 10am. This year’s theme is Cowboy Town’s Salute to Service and James-Crichton says participants will decorate their floats in tribute to various service categories such as branches of the military and first responders. Expect to see Town officials, school marching bands, community organizations, local businesses, and the winners of the Orange Blossom Pageant riding in the parade.
Both Saturday and Sunday will offer a variety of free, family-friendly activities such as a farmers market and green fair, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, kid’s play area, petting farm, and more. From noon to 2pm each day, children can partake in old-fashioned activities at the pioneer reenactment village set up at the Old Davie School Historical Museum.
Of course, the highlight of the weekend’s festivities is the Davie Pro Rodeo. According to James-Crichton, “Davie prides itself on showcasing its rodeo and western roots by hosting one of the largest rodeo events in Florida. It’s an opportunity for visitors to experience an authentic rodeo where they can watch cowboys and cowgirls barrel race, bull ride and team rope.”
All this excitement is sure to work up an appetite. The Orange Blossom Festival features a variety of food stands/trucks. In addition, the Davie Woman’s Club hosts the Strawberry Shortcake Festival, selling old-fashioned strawberry shortcake and other delicious strawberry creations.
Orange Blossom Festival Events Play Homage to Davie’s Agricultural RootsOrange Blossom Festival Events Play Homage to Davie’s Agricultural RootsAdmission to the 83rd annual Orange Blossom Festival and Parade is free, but there is a charge for the Rodeo. Event parking at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds is $5. For more information, including the schedule of events and rodeo ticket prices, visit www.davie-fl.gov.
