Get ready to travel back in time, exploring Zephyrhills history during the Founder’s Day Parade and Heritage Festival on March 9.
Celebrating the community’s 109th year, the event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the theme “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” – the evolution of transportation in Zephyrhills.
The parade is set to begin at 10 a.m., showcasing vintage automobiles, decorations and a marching band along Fifth Avenue.
From noon to 4 p.m., guests can sit by the Hopkins’ family porch and take a trip down memory lane — through accounts shared by various storytellers, including Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield.
At 2 p.m., a beard and mustache contest is scheduled at 4/One: The Gentlemen’s Quarters barbershop.
Contenders have the opportunity to win prizes, including cash, for their unique facial hair.
There also will be rows of vendors offering items, such as arts and crafts, as well as information about businesses. A plant expo also is planned.
Hungry patrons can get their fill from various food trucks, including a new offering this year: Gyros for Heroes.
The slate of entertainers includes The Time Travelers, the Chipco Creek Band and the Country Jam Band.
Kids can show off their skills through chalk drawing, and there will be hayrides for them to enjoy, too.
The function will be at Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., and will proceed further into Downtown Zephyrhills.
Proceeds will go toward local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Admission and parking are free, and pets are welcome.
To register for the beard contest, the parade, or as a vendor, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.
109th Founder’s Day Parade and Heritage Festival
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
When: March 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This year, the festival aims to inform and entertain guests with Zephyrhills history, featuring planes, trains, and automobiles. The event will have its annual parade, ‘Tales of the Hills’ story time, a beard and mustache contest, as well as food and music.
Info: To register for the beard contest, the parade, or as a vendor, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.
Published February 27, 2019
