ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – Alachua County, the Friends of O’Leno, and the Santa Fe River Springs Basin Working Group invite residents to experience the beauty of this State Park by attending the “O’Leno Ole’ Chili Cook-Off and Springs Celebration” on Saturday March 26, 2011 at O’Leno State Park. The chili cook off is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – the springs celebration is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the park is free with the donation of one can of food per person to benefit a local food bank. An Old Time Contra Dance with the Flying Turtles String Band will also be happening at the park from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($5 fee to attend the dance).
“The Springs Celebration is a great event for everyone to learn how their actions are connected to the health of our springs, even when they live tens of miles away from them,” said County Environmental Protection Director Chris Bird. “When we use a lot of water, fertilize inappropriately, or neglect our septic systems, we may be harming the springs of the Santa Fe River.”
Highlights of the events will include the chili cook-off, live music, a juggling unicycle act, shadow puppets, and children’s activities.
To learn more visit www.SantaFeRiverSprings.com.
For more information, contact Stacie Greco at 352-264-6829 or Cindy Preston 386-454-0723.