Calendar

CFAN Calendar of Events

To submit event details, please click here:
*submission does not guarantee publication

August – September 2024

August 17, 24, 31 and September 7, 14, 21, 28

Saturday Night Rodeo

This fun, family-friendly rodeo takes place every Saturday through the end of November from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, located at 3200 River Ranch Blvd. in River Ranch. Enjoy the antics of cowpokes and bronco busters as they show off their skills in trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more. Kids are invited into the rodeo arena toward the end of the night to participate in a real “calf scramble.” Tickets are $32.05 for adults, $26.70 for children ages 5 – 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. For more information, please visit www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/river-ranch/westgate-river-ranch-resort/activities/rodeo/.

August 21 – 22

Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo

One of Florida’s largest agriculture seminar and trade show events is coming to the Florida State Fairgrounds, located at 4800 US-301 in Tampa! From 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday, you can enjoy fellowship with other growers, industry leaders, decision-makers, and vendors while taking in all the latest information relevant to the industry. Explore topics such as pest and disease management, precision agriculture, and what the future has in store with alternative crops. Each day attendees are invited to partake of a “Kuntry Katered” hot lunch. Find out more about this exciting event by going to https://citrusexpo.net/.

August 22

Summer Basic Backyard Chicken Workshop

Polk County Extension agent Luis Rodriguez and UF/IFAS Hardee County Director Jonael Bosques will lead an in-person course from 5:30-8 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Service at 1702 S. Holland Parkway in Bartow. Topics will include Florida chicken laws and regulation, small flock poultry basics, biosecurity and common chicken diseases, basic nutrition and housing, and common chicken breeds. Cost is $15 and lunch is included. To register, go to https://bit.ly/3YBsULE. For more information, call 863-519-1049 or 863-519-1041.

August 22

Fall Vegetable Gardening Webinar

This online course is presented by UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner and will teach participants how to create a Florida vegetable garden that grows and produces throughout the fall season. Learn the science behind growing better, healthier plants and ways to grow more garden vegetables with less work. For all levels of gardening expertise, beginners to experts! From 10-11:30 a.m. and the cost is $10. Registration is required, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-orange-county-31268897759 or call 407-254-9200 for more information.

August 23

Wild Hog Management Workshop

Join wild hog experts from UF/IFAS, USDA, and FWC from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for presentations on rangeland ecosystems and the impact of wild hogs and trap set-up demonstrations! Located at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center, 3401 Experiment Station in Ona, Florida. Lunch will also be provided. RSVP to Lacey McClenithan – FWC/LAP la***************@my***.com or 772-696-3587

August 24, September 14 and 28

Downtown Farmer’s Market in Lake Wales

The Lake Wales Downtown Farmer’s Market is sponsored by Lake Wales Main Street and takes place every second and fourth Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 20 N Market St in Lake Wales. This producer-only market specializes in locally grown, pesticide-free produce and plants, baked goods, local honey, Florida grove pepper sauces, cheeses, award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs, homemade jams and jellies, natural pet treats, plus a ton of crafts, clothing, and jewelry. For more information, you can contact Lynn Greenfield at (863) 676-8782 or visit www.lwmainstreet.com/farmers-market.

August 27

Lunch & Learn: Fertilizer Basics in the Lawn & Landscape

Join UF/IFAS Extension Polk County and Haines City Water Utilities at the Haines City Public Library, 111 North 6^th Street Haines City, for a class on an overview of general fertilizer practices. From 12 -1 p.m., learn what factors to consider before fertilizing, how to select a fertilizer, and landscape plants/turfgrass. Registration is required and seating is limited. Lunch is included for pre-registered, in-person participants registered by August 20, 2024. Visit https://bit.ly/3YxoC8c for more information and registration.

August 29 and 30

Wawa Summer Fun Days at Bok Tower

Back by popular demand for 2024, the Wawa Summer Fun Days returns! Bok Tower welcomes guests free of entry costs on Thursday and Friday, August 29 and 30 and September from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For details and registration (required for free entry) visit: https://bit.ly/3Afyk5b

September 2

Pesticide Testing

Training is provided at the UF/IFAS Polk County Extension office. From 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., apply and schedule your examination here: https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/ and for more information contact 863-519-1049 or lr**************@uf*.edu

September 5/October 24/November 7

Managing Cattle Enterprises for Success Program Series

September 7, 14, 21, 28

Downtown Lakeland Farmers Curb Market

This vibrant, eclectic market brings the community together every Saturday in Downtown Lakeland with fresh, local produce, live plants, and a variety of hot foods and handcrafted wares. It is located on the 200 block of N. Kentucky Ave. in Lakeland from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Saturday, except for the month of August, when no Farmers Market occurs, and is a production of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). Learn more at www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org. Please note: No market in the month of August, will resume on the first Saturday of September, September 7.

September 7, 14, 21, 28

Grady Goat Yoga Tampa Bay

Every Saturday from 9-11 a.m. Grady Goat Farm hosts a fun and relaxing yoga class featuring their famous goats. Tickets are $39 for each attendee. This delightful event benefits Project G.O.A.T. (Global Offensive Against Trafficking), a charity that works to protect children. Grady Goat Farm is located at 12551 Franklin Rd. in Thonotosassa. Learn about this incredible farm and all that they do by visiting their website at www.gradygoat.org. Please note: No classes in the month of August, will resume on the first Saturday of September, September 7.

September 14

Ask a Master Gardener at the Lake Wales Farmer’s Market

Visit the Polk County Master Gardener booth at the Downtown Farmer’s Market in Lake Wales, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. for the latest gardening information and to ask gardening questions.

September 14

Marine Fauna Photography @ Bok Tower

A unique presentation of photography and educational presentation located in the Alexander Discovery Center from 2 – 3 p.m. Join science educator and photographer Kristiana Heath. She will unveil nighttime underwater photography that captures bioluminescent and planktonic predators in their natural habitat below the ocean’s surface. Explore the highlights, challenges, and scientific insights of studying these elusive creatures that help us understand ocean biodiversity. This event is free for members and $20 for non-members, which includes admission to Bow Tower. To register, please visit: https://1835.blackbaudhosting.com/1835/Pelagic-Magic

September 17

Certified Pile Burner Course

Hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension of Highlands County, learn how to burn piles legally, safely, and efficiently! Located at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center, 4509 George Blvd., Sebring, this event is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will include demonstrations, refreshments and lunch. The cost is $50 and preregistration is required, participants are limited to 50, so please register today! For Questions Contact: Alissa Hevesh at ah*****@uf*.edu or 863-402-6540

September 19

Winter Supplementation Strategies Event

September 24

Wildlife Management of Working Rangelands Field DayJoin UF/IFAS at E.R. Jahna Ranch, 9001 Van Fleet Rd. in Polk City for a day of educational presentations, field demonstrations, and networking opportunities! Experts will provide valuable insights on how to balance wildlife needs with the demands of working rangelands, including management for whitetail deer and gamebirds, wild pig ecology and management, and more. Exhibitor opportunities are available as well. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration is $30 before September 9 and $40 after that date. Register here: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/MS3DFKAP For more info please contact Bridget Stice, BC******@UF*.EDU or call (863) 588-2697.

September 26

2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting
Connect with farmers and food entrepreneurs in the region at Stalk and Vine on 39 (14923 South County Road 39 Lithia, FL 33547) from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn about agricultural production methods, small farm equipment, marketing strategies for small-scale farms, and the Cottage Food law. The Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network is a peer-to-peer network focused on exploring diversified farming systems. This group is open to established and beginning farmers in Southwest Florida and hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Agents. This event is open to everyone and is free of charge. To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-fall-southwest-florida-small-farmer-network-meeting-tickets-966330639957?aff=oddtdtcreator.

October 17