Fantastic Fall Events

The public is invited to attend the Forgotten Coast Black Bear Festival Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Carrabelle, FL. This fun and educational event includes bear habitat field trips, bird watching tours, wildlife presentations, children’s activities and more. Location is the Carrabelle City Complex, 1001 Gray Avenue, Carrabelle FL 32322. More information can be found at www.carrabelle.org/bearfestival or contact the Carrabelle Area Chamber of Commerce at (850) 697-2585.

Ocala OHV Trails Jamboree – Saturday, Oct. 24

You’re invited to the Ocala National Forest for an OHV Jamboree Oct. 24 at 9 a.m. All riders are to meet at the Ocala OHV Operations Center located off Forest Road 88/11. Activities include guided trail rides, exhibits, adventure runs and more. See the Ocala Off-Highway Vehicle Update newsletter at http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/ocala/documents/newsletter-9-21-09.pdf for event information and important SAFETY tips. Additional OHV information can be found at the Ocala National Forest website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/ocala/recreation/ohv.overview.php?p=1.1.3.1 . Contact Terry Thompson at terry@onfa.org to reserve your spot at the Jamboree event and for more information.

Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway Ribbon Cutting – Saturday, Oct. 24

The public is invited to the Ocala National Forest on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate the official designation of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway. Location of the event is
Camp Ocala on State Road 19 in the Ocala National Forest (on SR 19, four miles south of SR 40). Enjoy a free lunch while you meet Smokey Bear, take tours of the Ocala National Forest, see exhibits of natural places, and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, horseback rides, and boat tours. Woods & Bridges Bluegrass will provide musical entertainment. Log onto http://www.floridablackbearscenicbyway.org/ for more information, or contact Jim Thorsen at thor1505@aol.com.