Thousands headed to Dade City on Jan. 30 to the 19th annual Kumquat Festival.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)
The traffic coming off Interstate 75 was moving slow, as cars stacked up on the way to the festival.
The fairground’s lot filled quickly, with lines of festival-goers waiting to be shuttled to the event in historic downtown Dade City.
Even as late as 2:30 p.m., people were still arriving and forming lines at the shuttle stop, gearing up for an afternoon of music, shopping and kumquat pie.
They also had a chance to sample kumquat salsa, check out a car show, grab a bite to eat and enjoy many other activities.
An army of volunteers help to ensure that the event — which attracts people from the Tampa Bay region and beyond — runs smoothly.
For many people, the event is their first introduction to downtown Dade City.
More than 400 vendors set up booths with arts and crafts, handmade quilts, knitted caps of alpaca, locally harvested honey, soaps and jewelry.
Local antique shops, restaurants and delis saw a steady stream of people as well. Miss Pasco County walked past Lunch on Limoges where guests inside dined on pecan chicken and crab cakes.
Outside Dade City’s historic courthouse, downhome country musicians entertained a toe-tapping crowd resting in fold-out chairs.
More lines formed at the Kumquat Growers tent for free samples of everything kumquat – jams, jellies, marmalade, chutney, and vinaigrette.
Kumquat pie and kumquat ice cream were favorites. Some people walked back to their cars hugging planters with kumquat trees to plant in their yards.
And, another festival in celebration of the sweet and tangy citrus fruit put Dade City and St. Joseph in the spotlight, again.
Published February 3, 2016
Bartenders at the open air drinks and T-shirt sales of Kokopelli’s Restaurant. Kelsey LaBarbera, left, of Odessa and Michelle Jenkins, of Tampa, staffed the counter with Sue Queen, Kokopelli owner.
