This was the best party I’ve EVER been too. Sorry to all of my friends that I’ve said that same thing to. But this was really a GREAT PARTY for a really great cause!
The idea is, you buy a ticket. Pack a suitcase. Go to the hangar at the Inverness airport. Party like there’s no tomorrow. And wait to hear if you won a trip.
Lots of drinks.
A Ton of Food!
Cirque Soliel
They were pouring champagne in patrons’ mouths from that high perch!
A chance to win a flight out to New Orleans, a drive to St. Augustine or Orlando, or a cruise.
We didn’t win. Actually I have my wee pooch Maggie so we didn’t plan on going anywhere!
They actually let us get really close (and even inside) the jet!
That’s my friend Melinda. Her mother and daughter were working the event as volunteers, too.Crazy live art and music. Plus lots of live and silent auctions.
Seriously. Best Party Ever! So many of our friends were there. And so many of our friends did all the work.
And we made a few new friends!
And all the money went to the Boys and Girls Club of Citrus County!
TOO MUCH FUN!
A big thanks to Jon and Shelly, owners of Old Mill Tavern and HUGE contributors to this event. Plus Melissa Olbeck who does the organizing and everything that goes with that. These people know how to throw a party and raise big bucks! We helped them out at the Mullet Toss in July but we just had FUN at this event.
So….I started this series for my readers that live here in Florida about places to take your guests. Cause you know you are going to get them. Young, old, , everyone wants to come to Florida and especially to the Nature Coast.
(Are you getting tired of photos of my grandkids yet?)
And now, you know I have to tout Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
If you come to visit me, you will go to this park. All of the grandkids expect it when they spend a few days and even though they’ve been many many times, they still love it. It’s just such a cool park and it’s almost in my backyard!
Right now both Jack and Piper love the alligators the best.
I like the otters.
It’s clean, spacious. Lots of volunteers that are eager to answer questions. The boardwalks and bridges throughout the park can easily accommodate a stroller or a wheelchair.
There are many varieties of birds. Many in rehab or here because they couldn’t survive in the wild.
How about that pose for a photo op? The eagles have badly damaged wings and will never be able to fly.
Native flowers,
Manatees,
You will always see manatees at the park because they have a four or five captive that can not live in the wild. During winter months the springs are open to the wild manatees. There are hundreds when it gets cold.
and many other creatures.
This is Yuma but I just found out that there is a new panther at the park. Sakata is 8 months old and not in the main area yet. Looking forward to meeting him.If Lu isn’t in the water, beware! Lu has quite a spray area when he goes potty! Very nasty.
Don’t miss the wildlife encounter at 10:30.
The Education Center has activities for the kids and the volunteers are always happy to see kids come in.
And so many photo opportunities for your guests.
We have an annual state park pass that gets two of us in for free. Otherwise, Adults (age 13 and over) $13.00. Children (6 through 12) are $5.00. Under 6 and it’s free! You can also get a discount out of the local touristy ads and magazines. The Friends of the Homosassa Wildlife also offer a seasonal pass to the park. No matter what you end up paying, it’s worth it. Spend an hour or half a day. You will love it.
A couple of weeks ago when I posted about Alpaca Magic, USA, I stated that I would be posting the next week about other local places to take your guests, young and old.
The adults like the whole idea of the original roadside tourist attraction. The first show opened in 1947. Totally retro.
The girls–young and old–just love the idea of mermaids.
After about the age of three, the boys are way too macho for mermaids but there is an animal show, boat ride and Buccaneer Bay.
The SlidesJust messing around in the water.Animal Show.boat ride
So, this is one place all of my guests enjoy.
Warning, the water in Buccaneer Bay is 72 degrees! Too cold for Piper!
The kiddie pool and the slides are only open during certain holidays and summer break.
Dropped the ball here, too. Piper said she just wanted to see the mermaid show again. N o swimming. So grandma didn’t bring a swimming suit or towel. When will I learn?
The mermaid show is fun. The doors are open 1/2 hour before showtime. So you want to get there probably about 45 minutes early. When you get in, get to the very center, right in front of the stage. Well worth all those senior citizens that you knock over while you climb over the back of the seats with your impressionable young granddaughters with you.
Because the little mermaid (after she gets her legs) and her prince will dance right in front of you.
Then the evil witch will jump out of the opening right over that sweet young couple and scare the b’jesus out of the granddaughters. Seriously worth knocking those people to get the perfect seat just to get a look at their terrified young faces. So far I haven’t been able to adequately capture that look of complete horror from those tiny little girls.
Then as soon as the show is over, you have to grab the hand of that small child and run–do not walk–to beat the line and meet the mermaid. She’s over by the gift shop. Ignore that peacock even if that small child wants to know what it is.
If anyone complains about the rushing, just say the kid has to throw up and we are on the way to the restroom. That gets those slow movers out of the way every time!
And it’s all worth it!
To be first in line.
For the mermaid cause she’s not all worn out form all those sweaty little girls asking questions! Like, why isn’t your hair wet and how exactly did you get here with no legs!
Yes. We’ve been here a few times and got some coaching from our mermaid friends.
More advice.
In the summer, get there before 9 am when it opens. When the park hits capacity, it closes. Even if people leave, you aren’t getting in that morning. Small children will cry. So much sadness.
Terry and I have an annual family pass to the State Parks. That gets two of us in. Then we have to pay for anyone over 6. $5 for the 9-year-old. If you are a veteran and have proof there is a 25% discount for the family pass. This is substantial!
Okay. Just in case you don’t know, Weeki Wachee is about 30 minutes south of Homosassa on US-19. Can’t miss it.
Maybe I’ll have another local place next week. Maybe not. I’m not dependable!
It’s clean, spacious. Lots of volunteers that are eager to answer questions. The boardwalks and bridges throughout the park can easily accommodate a stroller or a wheelchair.
