36th Annual Sunland Fall Festival Right Around the Corner

Matt Boster

Viewed: 4328

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Oct 16 2014 12:19 PM

MARIANNA, FL – Driving through Marianna and other surrounding communities in the North West Florida Panhandle, chances are you’ll see decorative signs advertising the upcoming Sunland Center Fall Festival. Sunland employee, and renowned local artist, Maria Therrien Johnson, designed the decorative signs.  The design, reminiscent of fonder days gone by, features a beloved pastime that remains a popular activity among Sunland’s residents…horse drawn wagon rides throughout the Center grounds.  In like fashion, festival goers will have opportunities to step back in time and enjoy leisurely wagon rides during the Fall Festival.

 

If anyone knows how to host a festival, it’s Sunland!  As a matter of fact, Sunland has hosted this event for 36 consecutive years.  The event continues to grow each year, and with many new attractions has become one of the largest festivals in Jackson County.  Activities will begin with a parade at 9:00 a.m. followed by a multitude of fun filled activities for all ages.  Numerous vendors will be on hand with plenty of specialty items for sale, including abundant food concessions to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. 

 

Throughout the day, local groups will be performing on three stages located throughout the park.  The Main Pavilion will feature the St. Mary’s MBC Praise Team, 2014 NACMAI New Country “Most Promising Vocalist” Josh Cobb, Pamela & Partners comedy act, and the South Bound band. Center Stage will feature the always popular Riverside Beaver Chorus, Royce Reagan, The Sheila Smith Trio, and the “Awaken” Praise Team from Trinity Baptist Church.  A new addition to the Environmental Park is a stage known as “Pavilion by the Pond.”  Entertainment line ups at this location will feature athletic performers with the Infinity Cheer Group and performances by several groups of individuals residing at Sunland to include the Sunland Swingers square dancers “Awesome Eight” and “Bells & Bows” along with other Sunland dance and vocal groups, to include the Sunland Rising Stars.

        

Following last year’s record crowd, Sunland expects more than 5,000 people will be visiting the picturesque Environmental Park to participate in the festival.  For delicious food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, free parking and no admission charge come on out to the Sunland Center Fall Festival to join in the fun!    Sunland is located on Hwy 71, just north of Marianna. 

 

For general information concerning the Fall Festival please contact Karen Free at (850) 482-9373.  For parade information please contact Clint Cox at (850) 482-9387. 

 

Caption For attached photos: 

 

Pic #1

Pictured is Sunland employee and well-renowned local artist, Maria Therrien Johnson.  The sign’s theme features a beloved past time among Sunland residents ….horse drawn wagon rides. 

 

Pic #2

Members of “Awaken” the Trinity Baptist Church praise team are pictured here. The group, featured at last year’s Fall Festival, will be returning this year by popular request.

 

<- back