It’s time to indulge in a tiny, tart fruit called the kumquat.
After all, the fruit is considered to be the centerpiece of the Kumquat Festival, now celebrating its 23rd year.
Besides offering fun family activities, the festival showcases downtown Dade City, offering visitors a chance to sample a taste of Old Florida and some Southern hospitality, too.
The free event is set for Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in downtown Dade City, near the Historic Pasco County Courthouse.
Thousands of people flock to the area every year in an event that gives downtown Dade City merchants a chance to show off their shops and gives entertainers a place to showcase their talents.
It’s also an annual gathering that draws upon the generosity of local volunteers and sponsors.
“This is a marvelous event that is truly a local volunteer-run festival,” said John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. “I know the hundreds of folks involved are very proud of their community for producing such a quality show every year.”
As always, the kumquat fruit, known as the “little gold gem of the citrus industry,” will be found in all sorts of treats and beverages, including pies, cookies, ice cream, smoothies, marmalade, salsa, beer and wine.
Hundreds of vendors will be there, offering not only kumquat-related foods, but arts and crafts, and other items. Local restaurants will be serving up food, too.
There will be a quilt challenge and a Festival Collector Car Show.
There will be face-painting, and kids will have an activity area, too.
All public parking is free, and there will be free shuttle rides from two satellite parking areas. One is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, on State Road 52. The other is at next to Jarrett Ford, at 38300 Dick Jarret Way, in Dade City, on the U.S. 301 truck route.
Those wishing to volunteer should call Melody Floyd or Mary Beth Lumbra at (352) 567-3769, or email .
A volunteer orientation dinner also has been scheduled for Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m., at Hampton Inn Dade City-Zephyrhills, 13215 U.S. 301, Dade City.
For additional information about the Kumquat Festival, call (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCityChamber.org/Annual-Kumquat-Festivalr.
Kumquat Festival
When: Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Free admission
Parking: Parking is free. Free shuttles run continuously from two satellite parking areas. One is at the Pasco County Fairgrounds on State Road 52 and the other is located next to Jarrett Ford, at 38300 Dick Jarret Way, in Dade City, on the U.S. 301 truck route. Parking also is available at various locations just outside of festival area, but that fills up fast.
Details: The festival, now in its 23rd year, will feature live entertainment, an array of activities, vendors and all things kumquat.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769, or visit DadeCityChamber.org/Annual-Kumquat-Festivalr.
Published January 15, 2020
