Due to forecasts of inclement weather this weekend, the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie Ag-Xtension Fall Festival originally scheduled for Oct. 11 has been postponed to Nov. 15.
Bring your families and friends to celebrate the season in cooler weather at the Ag-Xtension Fall Festival, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County.
When: Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: UF/IFAS St. Lucie County Extension Campus: 8400 Picos Road, Fort Pierce.
What to Expect:
A beloved tradition, the Ag-Xtension Fall Festival has become one of the most popular free seasonal gatherings held in St. Lucie County. The inaugural event in 2023 attracted more than 1,000 attendees for UF/IFAS-led workshops on topics like air-layering propagation and Florida sea vegetables, while families enjoyed farm tours, local vendors and giveaways. A variety of children’s activities were led by 4-H youth clubs.
This year promises to be just as engaging, with the festival adding an Extension open house, tours of the butterfly garden and 4-H Farm, plus the grand reopening of the nature trail. Children can enjoy crafts, games and early trick-or-treating, while food trucks will be on site with plenty of fall flavors.
The day’s centerpiece is the Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale, featuring a wide selection of native pollinators, and Florida-Friendly plants grown by local Master Gardener Volunteers.
Meanwhile, the 4-H Farm Festival will bring the fun of the farm to life, with hayrides, pony rides and activity booths hosted by 4-H clubs. Visitors can meet the animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, cows, horses and more while enjoying an educational farm experience for the whole family.
The event also spotlights community partnerships at these agricultural safety booths:
- Fort Pierce Utilities Authority– Safe City and Bucket Truck
- St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department – Drone Unit and Public Outreach
- St. Lucie County Transportation & Planning – Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
- Everglades Equipment Group – Tractor Display
Sustainable and locally sourced vendors, UF/IFAS agent-led workshops and live demonstrations will round out the day.
“The Ag-Xtension Fall Festival is one of our favorite ways to connect with the community and show the variety of programs and services we offer for all ages at UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucy County,” said Grantly Ricketts, commercial horticulture agent and director of UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County. “It’s a chance to share the joy of gardening, farming and learning in a fun and family-friendly environment. We’re excited to welcome returning visitors and new faces this year.”
All children must be accompanied by an adult, and no outside animals are permitted.
For more information, or to learn about vendor and sponsorship opportunities, call the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County office at 772-462-1660 or email DShalginewicz@ufl.edu with questions.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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