Lemon Bay Fest

2024 Schedule

Lemon Bay Fest: Movie Matinee Double Feature!

Saturday, February 3, 2024

11:00am - 1:30pm

Elsie Quirk Library - Meeting Room

Join us in kicking off Lemon Bay Fest 2024 with a Florida-themed double feature.  We'll start with "Patrick Smith's Florida: A Sense of Place" and follow that with "Cracker: The Last Cowboys of Florida".  There will be a brief intermission between films. Seating is limited to a first come, first served basis.

"Patrick Smith's Florida" In this film, Patrick Smith, Pulitzer Prize nominated writer, takes the audience off the tourist path to learn about a "Florida Cracker" heritage upon which his novel, "A Land Remembered" is based. He provides a sample of Florida in the 1930's and shares a rare glimpse into the mind of a writer whose work preserves Florida as it once was and will never be again.

"Cracker"  For more than 250 years, cowboys have ridden the plains of central Florida. This film captures the beauty of the old ways with the drama of encroaching civilization. Included in this film are interviews with ranchers across Florida.

Lemon Bay Fest: American Roots Music Roadshow

Monday, February 5, 2024

10:30am - 11:30am

Elsie Quirk Library - Meeting Room

Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka of Vermont have been strummin' and singing together professionally for 30 years, and when they bring their travelling American Roots Music Road Show to their audiences, they also bring along a wagon full of knowledge to share about the styles they present. It's an upbeat program featuring Bluegrass, Old-time, Country, Cajun, and Zydeco played on the fiddle, mandolin, guitar and of course plenty of singing!

Seating is limited. First come, first served.

Lemon Bay Fest: The Road to Englewood

Monday, February 5, 2024

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Elsie Quirk Library - Meeting Room

Don Bayley from the Lemon Bay Historical Society will discuss the early history of Englewood. Learn about the original route of the Tamiami Trail, how it was connected to Englewood, and why that changed. How were movie stars Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford connected to Englewood during the Roaring 20's? Who was Pete Buchan? Find out the answers to these questions and more.

Seating is limited. First come, first served.

Lemon Bay Fest: Bats in Your Backyard

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Elsie Quirk Library - Meeting Room

Learn what is myth and what is fact when it comes to bats from experts at the Florida Bat Conservancy, along with special bat guests! This presentation will introduce simple steps that anyone can take to help these beneficial mammals. The Florida Bat Conservancy is dedicated to preserving and protecting Florida's native bat populations through public education and partnerships with other conservation organizations and government agencies.

Seating is limited, first come, first served.

Lemon Bay Fest: Surviving the Storms - Hurricanes, Humans & Wildlife

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

10:30am - 11:30am

Elsie Quirk Library - Meeting Room

After Hurricane Ian's devastation on Sept. 28, 2022, Charles Sobczak witnessed firsthand the massive storm's impact on both the residents of Sanibel and the wildlife that share this barrier island's ecosystem. Reflecting on the trauma of the deadly storm surge and 145-mph winds, Sobczak investigated how people, properties and wildlife survived the storm and what lessons Ian carries for a warming world.

This lecture will also feature an in-depth history of the hurricanes that have impacted Southwest Florida, from the unnamed storm that struck Punta Rassa on Oct. 7, 1873 through Hurricane Donna in 1960 and all the way to the recent storms of Charley and Ian. 

Seating is limited. First come, first served.

Lemon Bay Fest: "Englewood as I Remember It" Author Talk

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

3:30pm - 4:30pm

Elsie Quirk Library - Meeting Room

Author Jim Christman will discuss the making of his new book, "Englewood as I Remember It" and share some stories from it. A question and answer time will follow.

Seating is limited. First come, first served.

Lemon Bay Fest: A History of Manasota Key

Thursday, February 8, 2024

10:30am - 11:30am

Elsie Quirk Library - Meeting Room

Manasota Key is more than just a beautiful barrier island - it has a fascinating history as well! Join Dr. Josh Goodman, Manager of the Sarasota County History Center, for an exploration of the island's past through historical maps, charts, and tidbits about its former landowners and inhabitants.

Seating is limited. First come, first served.

Lemon Bay Fest: Storytime!

Thursday, February 8, 2024

10:30am - 11:30am

Elsie Quirk Library - Program Room

For ages 2-5. Join us for a special Lemon Bay Fest Storytime where we'll learn a little bit of Englewood and Lemon Bay history and then make a lemon-themed craft. All story times are filled with a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness.

Lemon Bay Fest: Seashells 101

Friday, February 9, 2024

10:30am - 11:30am

Elsie Quirk Library - Meeting Room

The Englewood Shell club will share their enthusiasm for shells and the local environment in this all ages program. Shells from the Club's collection will be on display as members share an overview of local shells and best conservation practices on the beach.

Seating is limited. First come, first served.

Date: February 3-9, 2024

Location: Elsie Quirk Library

100 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223

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