Ocali Country Days started in 1995 as a fundraiser for the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center and has become a very popular annual event. The first four days of the festival are open to school groups only and the public is invited on the weekend.

Visitors experience old time music, storytellers, and historical re-enactors portraying North Central Florida during the 1800's. Traditional crafts such as sugarcane syrup making, blacksmithing, quilting, spinning, woodworking, and more are demonstrated. Vendors also offer unique crafts and food for sale.

While here, visitors may tour the Silver River Museum, ride on a jeep tram through the state park (weekend only), tour a Civil War encampment, or meet Seminole Tribal members to learn about Native American culture in Florida.

Festival admission for school groups (Tuesday-Friday 9 am – 2 pm) is $3.00 per person. Festival admission for the public (Saturday-Sunday 9 am – 4 pm) is $5.00 per person with children under six admitted free. State Park admission and parking are free.

All proceeds benefit educational programs at the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center. This is our major annual fundraiser and we hope to see you here!

2012 Schedule

• Space is limited. Reservations are required (Field Trip Reservation form).
• Admission is $3.00 per person, including all adults.
• Visiting groups provide their own transportation (carpool is recommended).
• Students may bring lunches in coolers or buy food at the festival.
• Students are welcome to bring spending money to buy souvenirs (cash only, no debit/credit cards accepted).

• State Park entrance and parking are free.
• Admission is $5.00 per person; children under six enter free.
• Pets must be on leash.
• No firearms, alcohol, or fireworks are permitted.
• No coolers brought into the festival, please.

Volunteers

Any person assisting with Ocali Country Days who is not compensated for their time is considered a Volunteer.

All Volunteers must complete volunteer application forms with the Marion County School System and be approved prior to any participation. Please note that all Volunteers are subjected to background screening and must follow guidelines established by Marion County Public Schools and the Silver River Museum. Volunteers are covered by Worker's Compensation and provided drinks and snacks while working at Ocali Country Days.

Festival Participants

All participants in Ocali Country Days must be pre-approved. Participants will be issued identification while working the festival. Due to safety and planning issues, last minute walk-ins are not accepted.

Festival participants typically fall into one of three categories: Vendor, Re-enactor/Exhibitor, or Entertainer. Each participant must complete an appropriate form and follow all festival guidelines and policies.

Forms for Festival Participants

• Policies and Guidelines
• Vendor application form
• Re-enactors/Exhibitor application form
• Entertainer application form
• Map and Directions