Friends of O'LenoEvents
Race the Tortoise 5K
On March 3, 2012, Friends of O’Leno will host the 4th annual Race the Tortoise 5K. The race is limited to the first 300 registrants. Participants are encouraged to “Care for your heart….take part.” For detail race information click on 5K Run under Upcoming Event Details.
O’Leno Ole’ Chili Cook-Off
By popular demand Friends of O’Leno will host the 5th annual CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc.) Chili Cook-off at O’Leno State Park on March 31, 2012. Bring your favorite chili recipe and compete with the best during this CASI sanctioned chili cook off. You do not have to be a member to participate. There will be prizes for 1st – 10th place in the cook off, and 1st – 3rd place for the Showmanship. CASI rules can be found at Chili Appreciation Society International, Inc. or you can compete in the Open category where anything goes! The prizes are for 1st – 5th place winners in the Open category. Contestants must be 18 years or older. Purchase a sample kit and vote for the “Peoples’ Choice” Award. For pre-registration and more information email Friends of O’Leno at FriendsofOleno@windstream.net or contact Harriet Walsh at 386-454-4806.
For more information click on Chili Cook-Off under Upcoming Event Details.
Chili Cook-Off: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Fee: $20 per team for either category or both for $35. Everything else free with paid park admission. To learn more about CASI and CASI rules go to: www.chili.org.
The Springs Celebration event also will be held at O’Leno State Park on March 31, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join us to learn about the Sink to Springs connection and the Floridian Aquifer, and enjoy hands-on water activities, presentations, videos and live music.
River Rise Romp Endurance Ride (CANCELLED)
Friends of O’Leno regrets to announce that the River Rise Romp Endurance Ride scheduled for December 3, 2011, at River Rise Preserve State Park is CANCELLED . For more information contact Ed Bisch at 352-463-0668.
More O’Leno State Park Events
A complete list of all scheduled Park events is at www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/events.cfm.
Scroll down the list to find an event and detail information about it. The
following 3 recurring annual events are on the Park’s list.
Pangea Missing River Adventure Race
This race will take place on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Experience the burn of a hard workout, the fun of a competitive race, and the natural beauty of Florida including the largest land bridge east of the Mississippi. The race, brought to you by Pangea Adventure Racing, puts a compass in your hand as you navigate to control locations on foot, bike, and boat. Get outdoors! For more information and fee schedule go to www.pangeaadventureracing.com. The race’s name is Missing River. Click here to check out photos and information from the 2010 race at O’Leno State Park.
Springs Celebration
The Springs Celebration event will be held at O’Leno State Park on March 31, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Join us to learn about the Sink to Springs connection and the Floridian Aquifer, and enjoy hands-on water activities, presentations, videos and live music. Click here to check out photos and information on this website from the 2010 Celebration at O’Leno State Park.
Contra Dances
These dances are held on the third Sunday of each month, September through May, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the 1930’s rec. hall located on the banks of the Santa Fe River. Family fun for all ages! Dance contra, circles and squares to live music hosted by the Flying Turtles String Band. A caller will guide new and experienced dancers alike through a variety of dances. These are the dances that were the rage in the mid 1800s when the town of Leno thrived! People of all ages and lifestyles, including children, are welcome. Contra dances are a place where people from many walks of life come together to dance and socialize. Click here to check out photos and information on this website from previous contra dances at O’Leno State Park.
