Heritage Days Open House at Manatee Village Historical Park

For more information contact: Christine A. Brown, Special Events Coordinator, Manatee Village Historical Park christine.brown@manateeclerk.com    (941)  741-4075

March 5, 2012                                                                                                For immediate release

Heritage Days Open House at Manatee Village Historical Park

Step aside from the fast pace of urban culture for four intriguing hours on Saturday, March 17, 11 am – 3 pm, to experience a slower pace of life.  Enjoy toe-tapping music, dance, stories and song throughout Manatee Village Historical Park.  From the sand flats of Alligator Creek in Punta Gorda and the Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton, comes The Fiddle Crabs, Old Time String Band, to play the 19^th century music enjoyed by the early settlers of south west Florida. Also on the entertainment lineup is Hank Mattson, The Cracker Cowboy Poet. Hank uses his own works and those of turn-of-the-century punchers to chronicle and preserve the life and times of the many Florida Folks who for over 400 years have been “workin’ cattle”. He has performed at cowboy poetry gatherings from Florida to Utah. A member of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and the Pro. Rodeo Hall of Fame Society, he is also winner of the 2011 Laura Rider Award for Florida Folk Poetry.  Being that Heritage Days Open House just happens to fall on St Patrick’s Day, the New World Celtic Dance Team will perform, enlivening festivities.

Walk through the Park among moss-draped oaks to watch heritage artisans demonstrate their craft, civil war interpreters re-enact daily life, and arts, crafts and antique collectors display their wares and collectibles. Play with toys from yesteryear then stop to enjoy favorite refreshments for sale by visiting food vendors. Visit the museum to see Edwardian bridal fashion, learn the cattle stories of the historic Florida Cracker Trail, and enjoy fascinating quilts and N-gauge model trains. Explore landmarks dating from 1860-1920 including "Old Cabbage Head", and an operating Boat Works. Browse through a great selection of local and regional history books, unique gifts and souvenirs at the Museum Shop, “The Whistle Stop”.

In the spirit of the generous residents of the early Village of Manatee, help us “Fill a skiff boat and country wagon” with canned goods and non-perishable foods by bringing a can or two with you to benefit The Food Bank of Manatee. Admission and parking are free. The Park is located at 1404 Manatee Avenue East, (State Road 64), Bradenton, FL. For more information please call: (941) 741-4075.

This program offering is made possible by R. B. “Chips” Shore, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Department of Historical Resources and the Manatee County Historical Commission.

About the Clerk’s Office

The Clerk of the Circuit Court was established as a public trustee by the Florida Constitution in 1838. The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the Clerk of Courts, the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, Auditor, Recorder, and Custodian of all County Funds. In Manatee County, the Clerk’s office also administers a child support enforcement program, violence protection advocacy program, Citizens’ Review and Teen Court programs.  Located at 1115 Manatee Avenue West in Downtown Bradenton, the Courthouse is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Please be sure to visit our web site at www.manateeclerk.com.

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