FORT PIERCE — Due to forecasts of inclement weather this weekend, the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie Ag-Xtension Fall Festival, originally scheduled for Oct. 11, has been postponed to Saturday, Nov. 15.

Fall enthusiasts are encouraged to mark their calendars and join family and friends for the rescheduled celebration on Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County campus, 8400 Picos Road.

The Ag-Xtension Fall Festival has quickly become one of the county’s most popular free seasonal gatherings. The inaugural 2023 event drew more than 1,000 attendees for UF/IFAS-led workshops, farm tours, local vendors, giveaways, and children’s activities organized by 4-H youth clubs.

This year’s festival expands with an Extension open house, tours of the butterfly garden and 4-H Farm, plus the grand reopening of the nature trail. Families can enjoy crafts, games, and early trick-or-treating, while food trucks will be on site offering fall-inspired flavors.

The centerpiece of the day is the Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale, showcasing a wide variety of native pollinators and Florida-Friendly plants grown by local Master Gardener Volunteers.

The 4-H Farm Festival will also bring farm life to the community with hayrides, pony rides, animal encounters, and activity booths. Visitors can meet goats, sheep, pigs, cows, horses, and more in an engaging, educational setting.

Community partners will add to the fun and learning with agricultural safety displays, including:

• Fort Pierce Utilities Authority – Safe City and bucket truck

• St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department – Drone Unit and public outreach

• St. Lucie County Transportation & Planning – Pedestrian and bicycle safety

• Everglades Equipment Group – Tractor display

Additional highlights include sustainable and locally sourced vendors, UF/IFAS agent-led workshops, and live demonstrations.

“The Ag-Xtension Fall Festival is one of our favorite ways to connect with the community and showcase the variety of programs and services we offer for all ages at UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County,” said Grantly Ricketts, commercial horticulture agent and Extension director. “It’s a chance to share the joy of gardening, farming, and learning in a fun, family-friendly environment.”

All children must be accompanied by an adult, and no outside animals are permitted.

For more information, or to learn about vendor and sponsorship opportunities, call the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County office at 772-462-1660 or email DShalginewicz@ufl.edu.