Dec. 12, 2013 Florida State Parks Newsletter

The museum at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Florida State Parks. Please join the Florida Park Service as we celebrate the season. Across the state, children are counting the days for Santa to arrive with his presents. Lights are being strung outside houses and around Christmas trees to celebrate this merry season.

“December’s cool temperatures make it the perfect time of year to enjoy holiday lights, hot chocolate and a brisk walk outside,” said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “This provides the opportunity to string lights around our state parks, too.”

Several state parks in north and central Florida and along the panhandle offer special holiday events.

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs offers the Festival of Lights with award-winning holiday sights and sounds throughout the park. Displays include an antebellum museum dressed in full holiday splendor, a gingerbread village, a candy cane forest, Santa’s runway and more. The Festival is offered through Friday, Jan. 3 (Closed Christmas), sundown to 9 p.m. nightly.

Parents can bring their little ones to Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon to watch as Mr. and Mrs. Clause float down the Rainbow River on a lighted boat as they head to their cottage. Children are able to take pictures with the merry couple and Santa’s elves as they listen to their favorite carols. This event will be held Friday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 15; Friday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 22 and a lights only event Thursday, Dec.26 and Friday, Dec.27. All hours are 6 to 8 p.m.

More holiday lights events:

More holiday events:

For a complete list of special events at Florida’s state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.

Kayaking at Oleta River State Park in North Miami.

As Florida’s famous sunshine brings mild winter temperatures, now is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities at Florida’s state parks. Experience a brisk morning hike, a cool canoe or kayak tour or a boat tour. With numerous hikes, paddles, cruises, and boat parades being offered throughout December, there is a chance for everyone to enjoy the cool air and Florida’s natural treasures.

Events being offered are:

For a complete list of special events at Florida’s state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.

A park ranger greets a visitor.

On Wednesday, Dec. 25, many businesses will be closed for Christmas. Most of Florida’s state parks will be open for regular hours, 8 a.m. to sunset. So after your festivities or when you need to entertain your visitors or children, head to your local state park for a hike, bicycle ride or to soak up the sun. It’s a great place to play with your new outdoor toys.

Most of Florida’s state parks are open 365 days a year, always from 8 a.m. to sunset. Some museums or historic sites have different hours. Some are only open five days a week.

Check the website to be sure your favorite park is open.

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate this holiday.

Cooking on  a camp fire.

On Saturday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m., Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park invites visitors to taste flavors of cast iron-cooking during their Dutch Oven Brunch. Cooking with cast iron is a Southern staple. It browns cornbread crust to perfection and keeps the temperature of oil nice and even when deep frying. Cast-iron cooking creates distinct flavors and textures.

Attendees will learn how cast-iron cooking fed Florida’s early settlers. The program will include a cast-iron cooking how-to. Cooks will share insider tips for making cast-iron meals at campsites, turning your campsite into a culinary café.

The program will take place outdoors in pavilion #1 at the park, rain or shine. Wear proper dress and bring a hungry tummy. There is no participant limit, but your RSVP helps the park plan the "tasting" portion of this program.

RSVP with the Friends of Paynes Prairie by Dec. 26. The event is free with park admission of $6 per vehicle, up to eight people.

For more information, call 352-466-4100.