TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Preparations are underway for the 58th annual Springtime Tallahassee festival, set to bring live music, food and family-friendly fun to the capital city over the weekend.
Organizers expect around 100,000 people to attend the two-day festival, which has become a longtime community tradition with deep historical roots.
David Hutcheson, president of Springtime Tallahassee, said the celebration traces its origins to efforts to keep Tallahassee as Florida’s capital city.
“We were successful at keeping Tallahassee as the capital city and part of that process has evolved into the event we host every year,” he said.
As a lifelong Tallahassee resident, Hutcheson said he remembers attending the festival as a child and now helps lead it.
“It just brings back a lot of memories and a lot of joy for me to see all of the different people in the community, young and old enjoy the festival,” he said.
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Hutcheson said planning begins months in advance to accommodate the large crowds, which include both locals and out-of-town visitors. Many attendees stay in local hotels and dine at area restaurants, providing an economic boost to the city.
This year’s theme, “Best Day Ever,” was created by general chair Glenda Cato, who said the goal is to give the community a chance to come together.
“It’s just exciting and it’s a good event to get people happy because there’s a lot going on in the world right now,” Cato said. “So it’s wonderful to come to an event that is free, doesn’t cost anything, for children, adults, anyone who wants to show up.”
MusicFest on Kleman Plaza kicks off Friday evening, featuring a free concert headlined by country artist Dylan Scott, along with Tobacco Rd Band and local rising artist Madden Metcalf.
The festival continues Saturday with the annual parade and Jubilee in downtown Tallahassee.
Click here for the full lineup of events.
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