JANUARY – The Brooksville Raid Festival, tel. 352-796-6766, re-enacts a Civil War battle during two days of festivities. Admission. The Florida Manatee Festival, tel. 352-726-2801, takes place in Crystal River the second weekend in January, featuring fine arts and entertainment. $2 donation requested for adult admission.
MARCH – Weeki Wachee Swamp Festival, tel. 352-596-2567, www.wwswamp fest.com, features local culture and traditional rural crafts--manship in a two-day celebration. Relive Seminole War days at reenactments during Fort Cooper Days, tel. 352-726-0315, held at Fort Cooper State Park one weekend mid-month.
APRIL – Cast for a $4,500 first prize in the Citrus County Bass Challenge, tel. 352-527-8828. Hernando County Fair, tel. 352-796-4552, www.hernandocountyfair.com, lasts 10 days in late April.
OCTOBER – The big event this month is the Hernando County Rodeo & Barbecue Festival, tel. 352-796-2290, www.brooksvillerodeo.com, a three-day extravaganza. Admission. A Rails to Trails Bike Ride, tel. 352-527-3263, takes place on Withlacoochee State Trail, departing from Inverness.
NOVEMBER – Inverness hosts the Citrus Stampede Rodeo, tel. 352-564-4525, for two days mid-month. Admission. Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival, tel. 352-628-2666, runs for two days in Old Homosassa at the corner of Yulee Dr. and Mason Creek Rd. Live entertainment does back-up to mounds of fresh seafood. $2 donation requested.
