CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — The ‘Manatee Capital of the World’ is hosting the 39th-annual Florida Manatee Festival this weekend in downtown Crystal River.
The festival features two days of live entertainment, food, activities and vendors along with guided manatee boat tours and kayak tours. ‘Marley The Manatee,’ who locals lovingly describe as a Crystal River celebrity, will also be in attendance.
Tickets are $10 for adults. Children under the age of 12 can get in for free.
“The Manatee Festival is so important to this community,” said Kim Altman, owner of Explorida Adventure Center in Crystal River. “It draws people in who otherwise wouldn’t know about the manatee.”
“This is really a great way economically to boost our local economy and get local dollars flowing… in the most fun way possible,” added Jade White, Associate VP of Operations and Outreach for Citrus County Chamber of Congress.
Organizers recommend utilizing free parking at nearby Crystal River High School or the West Citrus Government Center. Shuttles to the event are available.