Florida's Citrus Festival

Bringing back a citrus festival isn’t just about celebrating oranges and grapefruits—it’s about honoring the generations who helped shape it. Citrus built this region. Reviving a citrus festival reconnects us to that shared history and creates new memories for today’s families while supporting local growers and businesses. It’s a little nostalgia, a lot of community pride, and proof that some traditions are simply too sweet to let fade away. We sat down with Event Director Lyndsey Venrick from Destroyer Media to find out more about Florida’s Citrus Festival happening on January 31.

WHAT INSPIRED FLORIDA’S CITRUS FESTIVAL? (FCF)

FCF: The Citrus Festival was a long-standing tradition in Winter Haven for dozens of years. Citrus crops are coming back, and it’s time we honor our local beloved citrus again. Our growing population also means that a lot of residents have no idea about the agricultural history that surrounds them. We hope to educate them on the importance of citrus in our community.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HIGHLIGHT OUR CITRUS ROOTS?

FCF: It’s easy to forget about agriculture when you don’t see it every day. You buy your produce at the store and don’t think about the journey it took to get there. But agriculture is still a major financial contributor to this region; it creates hundreds of jobs and improves our local economy. It’s critical that we support our local growers whenever we can to highlight this industry. Science has helped the citrus industry bounce back from greening, and it’s important that we keep it going into the future.

HOW WILL FCF BRING OUR CITRUS LEGACY TO LIFE?

FCF: If you’ve lived here for any length of time, you’ve undoubtedly heard from someone, “This all used to be orange groves.” It’s hard to imagine that when you are driving in traffic past shopping centers and large buildings, but citrus really was the core of Polk County. It’s what brought people to this region for decades. You’ll be able to take a look back and realize, wow! This really was all orange groves! We encourage visitors to stop by the Polk County Farm Bureau History Exhibit to learn about the Citrus Label Trail and start an exciting scavenger hunt, too.

TELL US HOW FCF WILL BALANCE FUN, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION?

FCF: We’ve got some amazing local partners providing engaging booths throughout the event that not only teach you about the history of citrus in our area, but also the future! The Polk County History Center and the Lake Wales History Museum will have interactive educational exhibits, Florida Coast Equipment is bringing a line of agricultural tractors and vehicles that the kids can explore, and other community partners will be set up to offer crafts, activities, and more! We’ll have a large market full of vendors offering citrus treats, handmade gifts, and more. We’re bringing back some of the kitschy favorites from past Citrus Festivals including the Blue Ribbon Art Show, Grove Showcases, and even a citrus pie-eating contest! To keep the kids entertained, we’ll have a Touch-A-Tractor experience, KidZone activities, and craft booths. For the adults, we’ve got live music, a beer and wine tent, a market, and more. Plus, local groves are still thriving in our community. Visitors can meet the grove owners, sample their fruit, and learn about our agricultural community.

WHAT’S ONE DETAIL ABOUT THE EVENT THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT EXPECT?

FCF: We’ll be having a juicing contest on the stage! Imagine a hot dog-eating contest, but we’ll see who can fill a pitcher with orange juice the fastest! Visit our social media to sign up to participate and maybe you’ll take home the trophy!

WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM THE FOOD & DRINK VENDORS?

FCF: Every vendor on-site will offer at least one citrusthemed specialty item. Vendors are bringing orange sorrel drinks, lemon-glazed empanadas, orange Julius, orange baklava, citrus chicken skewers, citrus-infused baked treats, and more! We will have numerous tables and chairs scattered throughout the park so you can sit back and enjoy the event all day. Everyone loves a mimosa, but being a citrus festival, we know that the OJ is really the star of the show. At our Reverse Mimosa Bar, you’ll get to pick the specific grove and fruit juice to mix with your bubbles.

WHAT’S THE ENTERTAINMENT PLANNED FOR THAT DAY?

FCF: We will have live music performances by Coastal Acoustic Barefoot Music, “Ace” Jackson and the Jump Kings, and Phoenix 5. Plus, we will have on-stage competitions like the pie-eating and juicing contests.

TELL US ABOUT THE BLUE RIBBON ART SHOWCASE.

FCF: The Blue Ribbon Art Showcase will be reminiscent of art shows that you’d find at a state fair – think traditional mediums plus fun things like quilts, needlepoint, and more! Professional and novice artists alike can apply and have their work seen by the community. We even have a youth category for any young artists wanting to participate. A panel of local judges will award prizes to each category, including a Best in Show. The art will be on view in the City of Winter Haven Blue Ribbon Art Showcase tent during the festival.

HOW DO YOU HOPE FCF STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY PRIDE?

FCF: Polk County residents like to get hung up on traffic, overpopulation, and other issues, but we really are so fortunate to live here. We’re surrounded by local farms, fresh and delicious produce, and unbelievable nature and wildlife. I’m hopeful this event can remind our citizens of the magic of our area. This is the festival version of touching grass.

WHAT’S YOUR LONG-TERM VISION FOR FCF?

FCF: We would love to grow this event into a full weekend of fun. This would allow us to add on more attractions, more live entertainment… and who knows? We might even bring back the Citrus Parade!

FLORIDA’S CITRUS FESTIVAL

January 31, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Central Park, Winter Haven

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