The  Manatee Festival promises a vast array of interests for its visitors. A  Fine Art show will host exhibitors from around the United States,  featuring items from watercolor artwork to breathtaking photography as  well as sculptures, stained glass and unique one of a kind handmade  jewelry. These are just a few samples of the variety provided by the  Fine Artists. Live entertainment will be provided continuously during  this two-day event.

Fine Art Hosted by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, this show is juried and cash prizes, along with ribbons are awarded to artists of outstanding merit.  The show is judged in five categories:  Division I:    Oils, acrylics, mixed media Division II :  Watercolors, graphics, drawings & pastels Division III:  Photography Division IV: Three dimensional fine arts-original in sculpture, stained glass, pottery, textiles, etc. Division V : Jewelry 

All work must be original productions of the exhibiting artist.  No commercial reproductions or mass produces items are to be displayed.  The  following items are not accepted into the fine art section of the show:  knitting, toys, dolls, stuffed animals, picture frames, velvet  paintings, kites, windsocks, live plants, decoupage, magnets, shell  craft, kaleidoscopes or instruments, pre-cast pottery, ceramics from  commercial molds and anything made from kits

Children's activities run throughout the entire weekend and are hosted by Childhood Development Services.  Sack races, games, crafts and lots more will fill your child’s afternoon!

Manatee Education
  Posters of the endangered manatee have been made by local students and  will be on display throughout the festival grounds. Continuous movies  will also be on display to provide Manatee Education information to all  visitors as well as Manatee Education booths designated to enhance the  awareness on our endangered manatees.

Food
  The aroma of mouth watering food will tempt your palate as you stroll  through the food court within the festival. Take advantage of all the  many items offered by seafood vendors who know how to make an inviting  array of delectable seafood plates! Kettle Korn, cotton candy, elephant  ears, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, tasty bakery treats and much  much more will be sure to keep you from going home hungry! Over 25 food  booths to choose from should guarantee you to find something you like!

Entertainment
  Various live entertainment is presented throughout the weekend and is  included in the cost of admission! A "Sounds Like Buffet to Me" contest  is also hosted with great prizes! Pre-Admission is required.

Florida Manatee Festival