Lemon Bay Fest kicked off in 2002 to celebrate everything unique about the Lemon Bay area: its arts, its history, its culture. Every year, the Elsie Quirk Library joins forces with the Englewood Charlotte Public Library to put together a week packed with programs and activities for everyone in the community. The festival spreads out across six spots in Englewood, drawing in locals and visitors alike. When the week wraps up, the Lemon Bay Historical Society hosts the Cracker Fair, a fitting finish to a week that’s all about honoring local tradition.
“Then and Now” with Esther Horton and Nancy Wille
Esther Horton and Nancy Wille from the Lemon Bay Historical Society will host “Then and Now” during Lemon Bay Fest. Join them on Wednesday, February 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street. Their program takes you on a visual journey from South Venice to Boca Grande, pairing old photographs with current images to reveal how local communities have changed and what still connects us to the past. Admission is free and everyone’s welcome. Want details? Call 941-861-1110 or check out scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
The program reflects the lifelong work of Wille and Horton, two of Englewood’s most steadfast champions of local history, whose parallel legacies blend historic preservation with decades of hands-on community service.
Wille moved to Englewood as a child and has spent much of her life quietly supporting the community through leadership, volunteerism and creative work. She worked in her family’s business before beginning a 20-year career at First of Englewood Savings and Loan, while remaining deeply involved with schools, clubs, and cultural organizations. As longtime secretary of the Englewood Historical Society, Wille played a key role in documenting the area’s past, helping produce dozens of films that captured the stories of Englewood’s fisheries, civic institutions and pioneer families. Many of those films continue to be used today as educational resources.
Horton, a sixth-generation Englewood resident, has carried that commitment forward through advocacy, education, and preservation leadership. She helped to save the 1928 Green Street Church, a landmark that now serves as a centerpiece for local history programs. Horton has also led lectures, monthly educational events, mentorship efforts and the annual Cracker Fair, all aimed at keeping Lemon Bay’s history visible, accessible and relevant to new generations.
Recognition has come to both women for their contributions. Organizers named Wille grand marshal of the 2025 Pioneer Days Parade. Horton will receive the Lillian Burns Individual Achievement Award from the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation in May, an honor recognizing sustained personal leadership in advancing historic preservation in Sarasota County.
Together, Wille and Horton share a belief that history lives through people, participation and storytelling. Whether through Wille’s visual archives and decades of service or Horton’s preservation advocacy and public programming, their work reflects a shared determination to preserve Englewood’s collective memory and community identity, an effort they continue to bring to life through programs like “Then and Now.”
Lemon Bay Fest Programs: Saturday, February 7 to Saturday, February 14
Saturday, February 7
Archaeology of Lemon Bay
Learn about the rich archaeological history of Lemon Bay during a presentation by Professor Uzi Baram from 11am to noon at the Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 North Access Road. This program will explore the region’s past through archaeological research and discoveries, offering insight into the people and cultures that shaped Lemon Bay. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit charlottecountyfl.libcal.com or call 941•681•3736.
Englewood Museum Open House
Learn about Englewood’s rich history during the museum’s open house from 1 to 4pm at the Historic Lampp House, 604 Perry Street. Visitors are invited to explore a collection of local artifacts that highlight the people, places and stories that shaped the Englewood community. The event is open to the public and offers a relaxed opportunity to step inside one of Englewood’s historic landmarks while discovering pieces of the area’s past.
Monday, Feb 9
LBWC Open House
The Lemon Bay Woman’s Club, 51 North Maple Street, invites the community to an open house from 10am to 1pm to celebrate the rich history of this recognized Sarasota County historical building, which marks its 100th anniversary this year. Visitors can learn about the club’s longstanding role in Englewood’s early history while touring the historic clubhouse.
The Lives of Rose Huddleston Tate and May Wetherall
Join Betty Nugent from the Englewood Museum for a local history presentation from 10:30 to 11:30am at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street. This talk explores the lives of two longtime Englewood residents who made a lasting impact through their involvement with the Lemon Bay Women’s Club. Learn how Mae Wetherall championed improvements for Englewood children and gain insight into Rose Tate’s experience as a mother during World War II. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
American Roots Music Roadshow
Enjoy an upbeat journey through American music history with the “American Roots Music Roadshow” at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street, from 2 to 3pm. Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka bring stories and songs to life with a lively mix of bluegrass, swing, country, Cajun, Zydeco and early rock, offering an engaging and toe-tapping afternoon for music lovers of all ages. Admission is free. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
Tuesday Feb 10
The Little Town That Unity Built
Martha Bireda presents a fascinating look at Punta Gorda’s history during “The Little Town That Unity Built” from 10:30 to 11:30am at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street. Punta Gorda has been described as a “unique sociology” because of its biracial settlement and development, and in this engaging presentation, Martha Bireda—portraying African American pioneer Queen Andrews—explores the five key factors that made Punta Gorda a model for interracial unity during the Jim Crow era of the early 1960s. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
The Wild Places of Southwest Florida
Join author Charles Sobczak for a presentation and discussion of his book “The Living Gulf Coast: A Nature Guide to Southwest Florida” from 2 to 3pm, at the Englewood Charlotte Public Library, 3450 N. Access Road. Sobczak will explore the region’s unique natural landscapes through engaging storytelling and a visual presentation featuring photographs by some of Southwest Florida’s most accomplished nature photographers. This program is open to the public and is ideal for nature lovers, readers and anyone interested in the wild places that define Florida’s Gulf Coast. For details, visit charlottecountyfl.libcal.com or call 941•681•3736.
Time Capsule Making
Tweens and teens are invited to get creative and capture the present for the future during “Quirky Crafters: Time Capsule Making” from 4:45 to 5:45pm at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street. Participants will create their own time capsules filled with meaningful memories, favorite playlists, and other items they want the future to remember. This hands-on program encourages self-expression and reflection in a fun, relaxed setting and is recommended for tweens and teens. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
Wednesday Feb 11
Then and Now
Nancy Wille and Esther Horton of the Lemon Bay Historical Society will present an eye-opening journey through time from 10:30 to 11:30am, sharing historic photographs paired with present-day images that trace changes from South Venice to Boca Grande. This visual presentation explores how Florida communities have evolved while highlighting connections between past and present. The program takes place at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
Englewood Museum Open House
Learn about Englewood’s rich history during an open house from 11am to 2pm at the Historic Lampp House, 604 Perry Street. Visitors are invited to explore a collection of local artifacts that highlight the area’s past and the stories of the people who shaped the community. The event is open to the public and offers a welcoming opportunity to step inside one of Englewood’s historic landmarks.
Frank Lloyd Wright and His Influence on Florida Architecture
Join author and historian Wayne Wood for a presentation from 2 to 3 pm at the Englewood Charlotte Public Library, 3450 N. Access Road, exploring Frank Lloyd Wright’s often-overlooked impact on Florida architecture. While Wright is best known for his work in the American Midwest, this talk highlights his extensive influence on Florida’s architectural landscape and the lasting legacy of his ideas throughout the state. Attendees will enjoy an in-depth look at Wright’s Florida connections and their significance in shaping regional design. For details, visit charlottecountyfl.libcal.com or call 941•681•3736.
Open Chomp Saw Lab: Lemon Edition
This hands-on open lab takes place from 3:45 to 5pm at the Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street, inviting young creators to explore their imagination using Chomp Saws, a safe and easy-to-use cutting device. Participants can design and build lemons, lemon trees, or anything else they dream up in this playful, creative setting. Recommended for children ages five to nine, this program encourages creativity, fine motor skills and fun exploration in a relaxed library environment. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
Thursday Feb 12
Archaeology of the Manasota Key Offshore Site
Join Sarasota County archaeologist Clay Bush for a lecture at the Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street, 10:30 to 11:30am, exploring the globally significant Manasota Key Offshore Site, located just 350 yards off the coast of Manasota Key. This unique archaeological site offers rare insights into the lives and culture of Florida’s Archaic peoples and their relationship with the coastal environment thousands of years ago. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
Lemon Bay Fest: Story Time
“Lemon Bay Fest: Storytime”, at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street, 10:30 to 11:30am, invites young children to enjoy a variety of early literacy activities including music, stories, movement and crafts, all centered on a fun lemon theme. Recommended for ages two to five, the program offers an engaging and playful way to support early learning while celebrating Lemon Bay Fest. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
History of Englewood
Join Dr. Jennifer Zoebelein for a lecture from 2 to 3pm exploring Englewood’s history. The program will be held at the Englewood Charlotte Public Library, 3450 North Access Road. For details, visit charlottecountyfl.libcal.com or call 941•681•3736.
Friday Feb 13
Cookie House Tours
Join Charlotte County Library and History staff for guided tours of the historic “Cookie House” at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Road, offering visitors a chance to learn about the site’s history and its role within the park. Tours run continuously from 10:30am to 2:30pm. The event is open to the public and suitable for all ages.
Seashells 101
The Englewood Shell Club will share its enthusiasm for shells and the local coastal environment during “Seashells 101”, 11am to noon, at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street. Club members will display shells from their collection while offering an engaging overview of common local shells and discussing best conservation practices to help protect beach ecosystems. This educational program is open to the public and is ideal for anyone curious about shells, shore life and responsible beachcombing. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
“Patrick Smith’s Florida” and “Cracker”
Wrap up Lemon Bay Fest with a special double movie feature on Florida history from 1:30 to 3:45pm, with intermission from 2:30 to 2:45pm, at Elsie Quirk Library, 100 West Dearborn Street. Enjoy light refreshments while watching two films that celebrate and preserve Florida’s unique past, highlighting the lives and traditions of those who embody the state’s classic “Florida Cracker” heritage. For details, call 941•861•1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
Sat Feb 14
Cracker Fair
The 22nd Annual Cracker Fair is from 10am to 4pm at Pioneer Plaza, 325 West Dearborn Street. This family-friendly community tradition features live music, children’s games and crafts, historical demonstrations, food vendors, local artists, a popular lemon dessert contest and plenty of old-Florida fun throughout the day. The event is open to all ages and offers a celebration of local history and culture in the heart of Englewood.
Cracker Fair Schedule of Events:
Saturday, February 14, 10am to 4pm at Pioneer Plaza, 325 W. Dearborn Street
10am Welcome and overview of events, vendors, and sponsors
10-11am Entries accepted for the Lemon Dessert Contest
10:15am James Hawkins (Local singer and songwriter featuring songs about Englewood history).
11am Presentation by Peace River Wildlife Center
Noon Lemon Dessert Contest Winners announced
1pm John Tuff (classic country music)
2pm Tanner Legz (Americana, folk, blues, country, bluegrass)
3pm Vinyl Recall (a wide range of rock, pop, country, and blues)
For information please visit LemonBayHistory.com.
