CCC Festival is today

Highlands Hammock State Park will play host today to the 24th annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Ruskin is predicting perfect conditions for an outdoor event, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the lower 80s. Northeast winds will blow through the hammock at a cooling 10 to 15 mph.

It's an annual celebration in recognition of all the CCC did since it was begun on April 5, 1933 until it ended on June 30, 1942; and it's a great reason to have a party.

There will be antique cars and tractors, as many as 50 arts and crafts vendors, crocodilian exhibits, an expansive model railroad display from the Sebring Model Train Club, plus a touch of magic and entertainment.

Magician Paul Weatherbee will perform two magic and comedy shows at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m., he will attempt his famous three-second Houdini Escape.

The CCC Festival will include two performances of Darrel Smith's living history program, The Best of Times- the Worst of Times and also a noontime performance by Hank Mattson, the Cracker Cowboy Poet.

Greg Graziani of Graziani Reptiles will be featured at this year's festival with his display of reptiles. Graziani is one of 13 licensed python hunters in the state and will offer education about this unique program. Come see an albino alligator.

Archbold Biological Station will also bring its native snake exhibition.

Venus Veggies, a fruit, veggies, herbs, and plant market will be open.

Children can enjoy pony rides by Heartland Horses and Handicapped, and most anyone can enjoy the $1 hayrides and tram rides. There may be a visit from Smokey Bear, too.

There will be great festival foods for sale for everyone to enjoy, including barbecue chicken dinners, pulled pork dinners, and funnel cakes from Highlands Community Church's Relay for Life fund-raising team.

Nancy Davis, the owner of the Hammock Inn Restaurant said she will serve a full menu today, of hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, ice cream and her famous home-made deserts.

Over at the CCC Museum, visitors will have a chance to learn how the CCC helped the nation recover from the Great Depression.

Admission to the park is $6 per family vehicle. Call (863) 386-6094 for more information. Just take Hammock Road from U.S. 27 and drive straight in.