By Cindy Peterson
A Guide to the 121st Annual Georgefest
Happy Birthday George!
The City of Eustis is gearing up to celebrate George Washington’s Birthday during a family-friendly, week-long event that takes place February 18th – 25th, 2023. “This occasion will mark the 121st year the City has gathered with the community, neighboring cities, and visitors from all over the country to honor one of our nation’s Founding Fathers and the first President of the United States,” says Eustis Mayor, Michael Holland. “Georgefest is the oldest celebration of George Washington’s Birthday in the State of Florida and the longest continuously running annual celebration in the entire United States. Join us as we celebrate this year’s theme, “We the People.”
Here’s what you need to know:
Georgefest will be held in the heart of Downtown Eustis and will feature a carnival, live music, food, vendors, and much more throughout the week.
Free Concerts at the Bandshell
Saturday, February 18th – American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 19th – Gospel Concert starring Southbound at 6:00 p.m.
Monday, February 20th – Lake Concert Band at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21st – Eustis High School Jazz Ensembles at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 22nd – Youth Talent Showcase at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 23rd – Concert starring Nashville Comes Home – Jimmy Stanley, Ryan Nelson, and Carly Rogers (Downtown Eustis) at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, February 24th – Featured Artist Little Texas at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 25th – Chase McDaniel at 7:30 p.m.
Georgefest Carnival
Take the kids or be a kid again and enjoy the Georgefest Carnival in Downtown Eustis, 101 E. Magnolia Avenue.
Thursday, February 23 – Armband Night! Open from 5 pm – 11 pm. For $20 person, enjoy unlimited rides for the entire night! Only valid for this night.
Friday, February 24 – Open from 5 pm – 11 pm.
Saturday, February 25 – Open from 11 am – 11 pm.
Sunday, February 26 – Open from 12 pm – 9 pm.
Georgefest 4th Annual Bass Tournament
The event will be held on the Harris Chain of Lakes with the weigh-in taking place in the City of Eustis’ Ferran Park.
TOURNAMENT INFO
- Online Registration will be accepted up until Friday evening, 2/17/2022 at 6:00 pm. After that teams may register the morning of the tournament but will be assessed a $25 late fee and will be added to the end of the draw.
- Tournament entry fee will be $110 ($100 Entry Fee & $10 Big Bass pot). Each team will also be charged an administrative/handling fee upon checkout.
- Creel limit for this event will be 5-fish per team
- Minimum length: 12 inches
Blast off will begin at 6:40 am or safe light from the docks in front of the Eustis Community Center located at 601 Northshore Dr, Eustis FL 32726. Please plan on being at the docks by 6:00 am to allow time for live-well check and check-in.
Georgefest Featured (FREE) Events
Saturday, February 18th – Free Sonic hot dogs at the Alice McClelland Bandshell at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 19th – Ice Cream Social by Mystic Ice Cream (Ferran Park) at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21st
Free Face Painting from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Ferran Park)
Happy Birthday George Sing-A-Long And Free Birthday Cake (Alice McClelland Bandshell) at 6:50 p.m.
Movie In The Park – Bad Guys, presented by Eustis Parks & Recreation (Ferran Park) at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 22nd
Bounce House Mania (Ferran Park) from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Kids’ Bike Parade Sponsored by Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce (Ferran Park) at 7:00 p.m.
Kids’ History Recital (Alice McClelland Bandshell) at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 25th
Free Pancake Breakfast at Backfin Eatery at 9:00 a.m.
Dog Jog at 9:45 a.m. in downtown Eustis
Grand Parade at 10:00 a.m in downtown Eustis
Fireworks sponsored by Four Seasons Display, Inc. at 9:00 p.m
For more information about each of these events, visit https://www.eustis.org/Residents/Georgefest
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
