Susan Frimmel enjoys the social gathering — known as the Kumquat Festival — that brings all things kumquat to Downtown Dade City.
Taking part in the festival, known for its Old Florida charm, has been a tradition for her for 15 years, and this year promises to be no exception.
Frimmel, administrative director/marketing for AdventHealth Zephyrhills, said she’s looking forward to the event, set for Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
She is teaming up with AdventHealth Dade City staff to pitch their tent and give out 10,000 of the items they’re known for – tote bags.
“People will come back year after year to get the next edition,” Frimmel said, referring to the bags.
They come in handy for holding arts and crafts purchases from vendors, and, of course, kumquat treats.
For the 22nd year, vendors will offer pies, salsas, craft beer and wine – all flavored with the diminutive orange fruit described as the “little gem of the citrus industry.”
John Moors is the executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, which leads an army of volunteers, organizes event vendors and solicits the support of scores of sponsors to pull off the annual event.
“It was first started by a group of folks here in town that put a little festival together on the courthouse lawn with a few dozen vendors,” Moore recalled.
Now, both vendors and visitors come from across the country to attend the festival, which showcases Old Florida’s charm in a quaint downtown that boasts a historic courthouse, shops and restaurants.
Frimmel said it took a trip out of state for her to realize that the Kumquat Festival is a nationally recognized event.
“It’s something that’s known in a broader sense than just our local community,” she said.
The crowds have increased through the years, and the festival has added more offerings for patrons, especially for the children, Frimmel said.
This year’s kids’ area will include bounce houses, pony rides, face painting and other activities.
There’s a $20 entry fee, for those wishing to register their car for the all-day car show contest.
Downtown restaurants will be open for business, and there will be food trucks at the event, too.
The musical lineup includes Melissa Lee Zenker, the Strawberry Express Cloggers and the Calvary Assembly of Dade City.
Besides doling out tote bags, AdventHealth will offer health information and pamphlets detailing upcoming hospital events.
“My team has a great time at the event interacting with the guests,” Frimmel said.
Besides greeting and meeting new visitors, Frimmel is ready to direct them to the various attractions the festival has to offer.
And, she’s looking forward to reuniting with friends that she’s come to know through festivals in the past, she said.
Festival admission and parking are free.
Shuttle buses will transport guests from the Pasco County Fairgrounds to Downtown Dade City – at no charge.
Proceeds from the festival benefit The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit organizations that help put the event together.
Registration for the car show can be done at 8 a.m., in Downtown Dade City, or online at RonnieSetsers.com.
For additional information, call the chamber at (352) 567-3769, or email .
Kumquat Festival
Where: Downtown Dade City
When: Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event features live performances, an all-day car show, arts and crafts, activities for the kids, various vendors — and all things kumquat.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769, or email .
Published January 23, 2019
