The Friends of the Sarasota County History Center will host Friends Fest 2025 on October 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sarasota Farm Bureau, 7289 Palmer Boulevard, to launch Long Timers of Sarasota County, a new group for residents who have lived in the county for 30 years or more.
Kim Manning, president of the Friends of the Sarasota County History Center, said the event will revive the old-time picnics that were once popular in the area. “To help get this underway there will be a festival and picnic on October 26 from 11am to 3pm on the beautiful grounds of the Sarasota Farm Bureau,” Manning said. “There will be food trucks, live oldies music by Paisley Craze, booths, historical organizations, storytelling, trivia contests, old time lawn games, circus history by Chucko the Clown and a few surprises.”
A special tribute will be held for the pioneer Carlton family. The event is open to the public, with admission set at $20 and $10 for members. New members of the Friends organization may attend for free.
Attendees can bring their own picnics and blankets or enjoy offerings from food trucks. Tables, chairs and tents are available to rent in advance. Registration and additional details are available at foschc.org
Sponsors of the event include Frank and Beth Cassell, Diane Esthus, David Harper, Andrew Littauer, All Event Rental and HPK Provident Advisors. Those interested in becoming sponsors may email friendsfest2025@gmail.com
All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Sarasota County History Center, a nonprofit that supports the Sarasota County History Center through fundraising for lectures, exhibits and acquisitions.
The Sarasota County History Center, part of the Sarasota County Public Library System, collects, preserves and shares the county’s historical records, artifacts and reference materials while identifying and protecting historic structures and archaeological sites.
