39th Annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival

Overview

Sebring— In honor of America’s 250th anniversary and Washington’s birthday, Governor Ron DeSantis has designated Presidents’ Day a state holiday. Florida State Parks, including Highlands Hammock, offer free admission February 13–16.

On February 14, Highlands Hammock State Park hosts the 39th Annual Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Festival from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. celebrating Florida history, nature, and the CCC legacy. The Golden Era Jazz Band opens with classics from the 1920s–40s, followed by principal speaker Clyde Butcher, National Medal of the Arts recipient (2024), sharing stories from his work photographing Florida’s wild landscapes.

Afternoon music features folk virtuoso John McClure and blues storyteller Vgo, performing Depression-era and 1940s favorites. Educational talks include CCC history by curator David Schmidt and South Florida indigenous history by archaeologist John Goss.

Festival highlights include wildlife rehabilitation exhibits, arts and crafts vendors, blacksmithing, hewing and weaving demos, a work camp reenactment, antique car show, Kids’ Corner activities, scavenger hunts, guided nature walks, and ongoing pony rides, wagon rides, and tram tours. Food is available from vendors and the Hammock Inn.

Admission and most activities are free. Fees apply for tours: wagon rides $10/adult, pony rides $5/child, tram tours $15/adult and $10 ages 6–12 (free under 5). The public is invited to attend and explore Highlands Hammock and Florida State Parks.

Festival Program Schedule

• 10:15–11:00 a.m. Golden Era Jazz Band – Music in the Park Stage
• 11:10–11:40 a.m. Park Welcome & Announcements – Music in the Park Stage
• 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Golden Era Jazz Band – Music in the Park Stage
  Two sets from the Great American Songbook of the 1920s–40s
• 12:00–12:45 p.m. David Schmidt, CCC Museum Curator – CCC Museum Stage
  FDR & His CCC: Conservation in America
• 1:00–1:30 p.m. Clyde Butcher, Landscape Photographer – Address
  Adventures in the Hammock
• 1:30–2:15 p.m. John McClure – Music in the Park Stage
  Traditional folk ballads on banjo, guitar, fiddle, and mandolin
• 2:00–2:45 p.m. John Goss, Archaeologist – CCC Museum Stage
  Indigenous South Florida Peoples and Their Use of Natural Resources
• 2:30–3:30 p.m. Vgo – Music in the Park Stage
  Depression-era songs, blues, comedy, and storytelling

Heritage Demonstrations, Exhibitors, Activities & Children’s Activities

Heritage Demos & Activities

• Blacksmithing: Gerry Jamison (Panther Pavilion) – steel roses, snakes, and more
• Wood Hewing: Charlie Brown & Worthingtons (Picnic Area) – hands-on log shaping
• Frontier Work Camp: Joe & Michele Noto (Picnic Area) – early 1900s tools, coffee grinding, butter churning
• Weaving: Pam Perry (Alligator Pavilion) – loom weaving; quilts on display
• Antique Cars & Tractors: Florida Flywheelers (Music in the Park Circle)

Rides & Tours

• Pony Rides: $5/child (Owl Pavilion)
• Wagon Rides: $10/adult (Picnic Area Gate)
• Tram Tours: $15/adult, $10 ages 6–12, free under 5 (Hammock Inn)

Kids Corner (Otter Pavilion)

• 1:30 PM Nature Walk: Ages 5–13 (Wild Orange Trail)
• Hands-on nature exhibits, games, scavenger hunt, murals, and more

Other Highlights

• Florida Highwaymen Art
• Audubon Society
• Calusa Nature Center live wildlife
• Estuary Partnership games
• Heartland Cultural Alliance
• FWC Ridge Rangers and more!