SUZETTE COOK/Alachua County Today
Bridgette Crawford, left, and Miracle Laub have fun posing for Nicolette Coerr.
HIGH SPRINGS – The first thing you see are the smiles.
Bright green grass, the warm sound of live music and comforting smells of freshly fried food surrounded the area of Downtown High Springs Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
The 38th Annual Pioneer Days Festival concluded Sunday and from shootout re-enactments to a merry-go-round of real horses, Pioneer Days had it all.
“The atmosphere is great,” said Hansaraj Moy, a 21-year-old Alachua native. “I enjoyed the live music and the shootout skit they did.”
Vendors sold a variety of items that included flowers, funnel cake, handmade belts, ice cream, homemade fudge, gator tail, fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade jewelry and yard art.
Pioneer Days even had on-site artisans that could be seen forging metal as you walked by.
Calvin Mills, a 69-year-old retiree explained that he and his wife came from Winter Haven to set up a booth to sell homemade girls clothing.
“We just come here for different shows,” Mills said. “The crowd is here, so we’re making a few dollars.”
The festival wasn’t just about good food and live entertainment; those attending could also learn something.
Pioneer Days included a museum that outlined the history of High Springs and a gathering of Muscogee Creek Indians that were more than willing to share knowledge of their heritage.
“I support my tribe,” said LJ Johnson, better known as “Two Spirits” to fellow members of his tribe. “That’s why I’m here.”
Pioneer Days was fun for people of all ages.
The festival featured a Kids Korral that had an abundance of activities for children that included a rock-climbing wall, bouncy houses, giant slides and the merry-go-round of real horses.
Johnson said, “[Pioneer Days] is entertaining, educational and you have the opportunity [to meet] new friends.”
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