Ready for the weekend? Check out these events in Volusia, Flagler
Yes, there’s a big endurance race this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, but there are plenty of other events on tap in Volusia-Flagler, ranging from a family-friendly festival with an environmental backdrop to a highly anticipated arts showcase and other diversions.
Manatees in the spotlight at Blue Spring
It’s the prime time of the year to see manatees at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, reflected in a new record count of 932 of the gentle creatures logged on Sunday at the park. That total eclipses the previous record of 736 recorded on New Year’s Day.
In case you missed it: Manatee count approaches record number at Blue Spring State Park. Here's how to see them
Manatees will be celebrated in style this weekend at the annual Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival on Saturday and Sunday at Valentine Park, just east of the park’s entrance on French Avenue in Orange City.
In addition to free shuttle bus service to the park for opportunities to see the manatees, the event will feature an array of continuous family-friendly activity from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Highlights include an arts and crafts show with more than 100 booths, music and dancing, shows by the famous Disc Connected K9s Frisbee dog team, children's face-painting and games as well as environmental conservation displays.
Admission at the gate is $10 adults, $2 ages 4-10, with ages 3 and younger admitted free. Be advised, there’s a $10 admission for dogs, too. Proceeds benefit Friends of Blue Spring State Park, as well as educational scholarships and other community organizations in Orange City.
Visit themanateefestival.com for more details and schedule information.
'Images' showcases NSB’s vibrant art scene
A cornerstone event that reflects the unique year-round art scene in New Smyrna Beach unfolds this weekend with the return of the annual “Images: A Festival of the Arts” running from Friday-Sunday at the city’s Riverside Park.
It’s the 48th edition of the popular annual event, which is expected to draw nearly 50,000 visitors to peruse more than 200 artist booths against a backdrop that also features an array of music and culinary treats.
The festival started as an all-volunteer show in 1976 and has been presented by the Atlantic Center for the Arts since 2004. This year’s event will showcase the work of 238 artists from across the United States and Canada, according to organizers.
More: Images: A Festival of the Arts promises nearly 240 artists, music and more in NSB
On the musical side, the list of performers will include a Saturday show by Alex Kinsey, known for winning the American version of “The X Factor” in 2013 as part of a duo with singer Sierra Deaton.
Images runs from 1-5 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sunday at Riverside Park, 299 S. Riverside Drive in New Smyrna Beach. It’s free admission.
Visit imagesartfestival.org for more information.
Rolex rolls in Daytona
A field of world-class drivers will take a test of skill, speed and endurance this weekend as the 62nd Annual Rolex 24 At Daytona starts at 1:40 p.m. Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.
If you’re still interested in attending the race, a variety of ticket packages are available at imsa.com, including two-day Saturday and Sunday ticket packages for $90, plus fees.
If you’d rather watch the Rolex from home, the 24-hour race will be broadcast on a rotating schedule on NBC, Peacock, IMSA TV and USA Network throughout the weekend.
Visit imsa.com for more information.
Classic soul at Peabody
Empress of Soul Gladys Knight will deliver hits from across her six-decade career at a 7:30 p.m. Friday show at Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach.
In addition to her signature hit with the Pips, “Midnight Train to Georgia,” that long list of memorable songs also includes her take on “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” as well as “If I Were Your Woman,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye),” “Every Beat of My Heart,” “Letter Full of Tears,” among others.
Tickets range from $44-$109 at Ticketmaster.com. Visit peabodyauditorium.org for details.
In Flagler, Farmers Market beckons
Check out an array of vendors offering everything from fruits and vegetables to hand-crafted artwork and other unique products at the weekly Farmers Market on Saturday at Wickline Park in Flagler Beach.
The popular event runs from 8 a.m.-noon at the park, 315 South 7th St. in Flagler Beach. It’s free admission. Go to visitflagler.com for more information.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Weekend events in Volusia-Flagler range from racing to manatees, art
