Eustis 122nd Annual Georgefest

February 17-24, 2024

Historic Downtown Eustis 

"Family Fun Freedom"

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Happy Birthday George! The City of Eustis celebrates George Washington’s Birthday during a week long, family-friendly event taking place February 17-24, 2024. Georgefest is the longest running celebration of George Washington’s Birthday in the State of Florida, and is now the longest, continuously running celebration in the entire United States. 

Featuring carnival rides and games, a bass tournament, Running of the Georges Race, a dog jog, parade, contests, vendors, and awesome live entertainment! 

Headline Entertainment

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Bryce Mauldin is from Webster, FL. He raced amateur motocross his whole life, racing at a nationals level until he fell in love with music. He first got involved with music in February of  2016 and introduced his voice to social media shortly after. His first video received positive responses online and he continued to post more videos, growing a larger audience and fans. After a year of posting, his first cover of "I can love you like that" went viral, reaching over 9.1 million views and over 230K shares so far. He has now moved to Nashville, TN where he writes music daily. Last year, Bryce released his first independent single "All the Proof I Need" and this year dropped his self-titled EP.

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Soaring vocals meet dextrous, layered guitar and intimate storytelling that can evoke the poetic lyricism of Passenger in one song before sliding into the wrenching neo-soul of Leon Bridges in the next.  Thunderstorm Artis was born and raised in a large musical family on the North Shore of Oahu, and it’s easy to find the laid-back vibe of island life effortlessly blended with the real life experiences that inspire his music. As a Season 18 finalist on The Voice, Artis wowed audiences with both his original compositions, including quiet acoustic track “Sedona,” and loving reinterpretations of songs by artists like The Beatles and Louis Armstrong, with John Legend describing his tone as “magical” and Billboard praising his “earnest, uplifting presence.” Artis has played alongside modern icons Jack Johnson, Train, and The Zac Brown Band, as well as toured extensively with his brother, Ron Artis II. He also was a featured artist at Bottlerock Music Festival.

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Tracy Byrd became a household name on the country music scene in 1993 when his song "Holdin' Heaven" off his self-titled debut album hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. The Album also included the remake hit of Johnny Paycheck's "Someone to Give my Love to", cementing Byrd as a traditional country troubadour! The debut album went on to be certified Gold, an award signifying sales in excess of 500,000 copies. Byrd's 2nd project, No Ordinary Man, kept building on the momentum of his first album, with the release of the smash, chart-topping hit "Watermelon Crawl", quickly certifying the album Gold. "The Keeper of the Stars" shot to #1 on the singles charts and pushed the album to Double Platinum Status (sold of over 2 Million Copies) and later won the Academy of Country Music "Song of the Year" award in 1995.

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Drake White grew up singing in his church’s youth choir in Alabama before becoming one of Country music’s most spirited innovators, earning four Top 40 hits and traveling the country on multiple nationwide tours. His 2013 debut single “Simple Life” introduced his brand of Country Soul, which he cemented with his 2016 debut album SPARK followed by the EPs Pieces and Stars. White has received numerous accolades including Rolling Stone’s 10 Country Artists You Need to Know, The Grammy’s Artist of Tomorrow, and the British CMA Awards’ International Song of the Year and has shared the bill with many of Country music’s superstars like Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Zac Brown Band.

Schedule of Events

A complete schedule of events is now available. Click the link below to download your copy.  Be sure to also follow our Facebook page "City of Eustis Events & Tourism" to get the latest updates and announcements.

 

   
   

BASS Tournament

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In partnership with Florida BASS Nation, join us for the annual fishing tournament in honor of PFC Derek Gibson. 

The tournament kicks off at dawn on Sunday, February 18th, near the Eustis Community Center with weigh-in and awards following that afternoon in Ferran Park. 

For more information or to register for the event, click the link below, or contact David Diggers at 407-455-3903.

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Chili Cook-Off

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The 9th Annual Georgefest Chili Cook-Off will be held Sunday, February 18th on the lawn of the Clifford House (536 N. Bay St.). This annual event is planned and executed by the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce. A fun-family event, the public is invited to join us for tastings, starting at 2:00 p.m., for just $10 per adult or $5 per child. 

 

For more information or to register your team, contact the chamber at 352-357-3434.

Dog Jog

The Humane Society of Lake County has teamed up with local businesses Paws & Effect and Pedder's Wagon to planDog Jog Flyer.png and execute this year's Georgefest Dog Jog.  Registration is $15 and the event begins Saturday, February 24th at 9:30 a.m.

 

George Is On My Mind - History Recital

IMG_0540.JPGIn 2023, our first annual George Is On My Mind history recital was held on the bandshell stage. Ten amazing actors took the stage to tell the story of Georgefest, it's humble beginnings, and how it relates to our first president, George Washington. Our audience enjoyed learning more about Eustis history, and our young participants had a blast enjoying their time in the spotlight!

This year's program will be held Wednesday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m. For more information click the application below or contact our Events & Tourism Department at 352-483-5491 or events@eustis.org.

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Georgefest History

Georgefest is the longest running celebration of George Washington’s Birthday in the State of Florida, and is now the longest, continuously running celebration in the entire United States. 

It all started on February 22, 1902 when Eustis citizens and businesses held an event in the Ocklawaha Hotel (a hotel that was located in Downtown Eustis) in appreciation of the winter visitors. The celebration portrayed historic events from Florida's past. February 22 is also the date of when George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born. Taking that into consideration, they started calling the event, "George Washington's Birthday Celebration."

Over the years, this event has since grown to include a large parade, concerts, a carnival, fireworks, and more and features a new modern name, "Georgefest." 

Georgefest Parade 1915

 

Photo taken around 1915 at George Washington's Birthday Celebration

Now known as Georgefest

(Photo credit: City of Eustis)

 

 

 

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Eustis Native and Country Music Star 

 Michael Ray

Headline Entertainment 2021

 (Photo credit: City of Eustis)

 

Grand Parade

North on Bay, Feb 22 for George Washing Birthday Parade

The annual Georgefest Parade is a longstanding tradition in Lake County and one of the largest parades in Central Florida. The Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce plans and executes this exciting event. If you would like to be a part of the annual parade applications are below or contact the chamber staff at (352) 357-3434 for more information.

 

 

Pageants

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The City of Eustis is proud to add the tradition of the Miss Eustis pageant to this year's Georgefest. The Miss Eustis Program is committed to the continued growth and development of young ladies within our community. With a spirit of service, both contestants and titleholders are encouraged to engage with residents, seeking an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Working with many of our area’s strongest leaders, it is the goal of our organization to provide all participants a variety of tools for continued life success.

For more information contact our Events & Tourism Department at 352-483-5491 or events@eustis.org. Applications are available via the links below.

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Join us for our inaugural Miss Georgefest Scholarship Program. Open to young ladies born between 1996 and 2006, that live work or attend school in Lake, Marion, Volusia, Polk, Orange and Seminole Counties. This pageant is a preliminary competition to Miss Florida. Imagine, walking across the bandshell stage all the way to the Miss America stage! It all starts right here!

Those interested in competing for Miss Georgefest can learn more about the Miss Florida program at their website missflorida.org and email our Events & Tourism Department at events@eustis.org, for a complete packet of information. 

 

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Miss Florida 2023 - Juliette Valle

Ring Raffle

Longtime Downtown Eustis business and community supporter Merry Jewelers has again sponsored this year's Ring Raffle. 

The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce will be selling 500 raffle tickets for a chance to win the beautiful grand prize. Tickets are $5.00 each or $20.00 for five and are available at the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce (1 W. Orange Ave.), Merry Jewelers (42 E. Magnolia Ave.), Peddler's Wagon (25 E. Magnolia Ave.), and Eustis City Hall (10 N. Grove St.).

For more information regarding the raffle please contact the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce at 352-357-3434.

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Running of the Georges

Running of the Georges.pngPut your running shoes on and join us for the 9th Annual Running of the Georges.

Proceeds of this 5K will benefit the Eustis Recreation Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to children participating in after school programs, summer camp programs, and swimming lessons.

The race will start in Ferran Park and go down beautiful Lakeshore Drive and end back at the park.

Awards: Overall Male & Female, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, place age group & gender. T-shirts provided.

Race Day Registration/Packet Pickup Saturday, February 3, 2024 7:00am-8:00am.

Race starts: 8:30am Awards start approximately: 9am

Chip timing will be provided by Southern Timing, LLC. with live results, preliminary results kiosks, and an individual results page with a finisher certificate and a 20 second clip of you crossing the start and finish line. Results will be streamed live on race day to www.southerntimingfl.com/results

 

 

Vendor Information

Applications for vendor spots are now open!

Join us for our Kick-Off Party in the Park, Saturday, February 17th (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) and/or join us for our main event, Friday, February 23rd (5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.) and Saturday, February 24th (10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.).

For more information click the application links above or contact our Events & Tourism Department at 352-483-5491 or vendor@eustis.org.

Youth Talent Showcase

BTF_0095.JPG Our talent showcase is designed to allow area youth to the be the star of the show and provide an opportunity for local businesses to spotlight their services.  From martial arts to guitars and dance to magic, many varieties of talent are welcome to perform on Wednesday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m. We encourage local dance studios, karate dojos, etc. to bring their classes and share information regarding their business in between performances or at a booth during the event. 

BTF_0073.JPGFor more information about the event download the application packet below or contact our Events & Tourism Department at 352-483-5491 or events@eustis.org. 

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Map / Directions / Road Closures

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ROAD CLOSURES

Persons traveling through Eustis seeking to avoid traffic delays are encouraged to use the CR44 Bypass to the east, especially on Saturday morning, Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. during the Georgefest parade.
The following streets will be closed for the Georgefest Carnival and Parade
during the following dates and times:
 
Saturday, Feb. 17 from 5 p.m. through midnight on Saturday, Feb. 24.
  • McDonald Avenue (from Grove Street to Eustis Street)  
  • Eustis Street (from Clifford Avenue to McDonald Avenue)

Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. through 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. 

  • Eustis Street (from Magnolia Avenue to McDonald Avenue)

    Friday, Feb. 23 from 6 a.m. through approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 24.
  • Ferran Park Drive (from Orange Avenue to McDonald Avenue)

Saturday, Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. through 12:30 p.m
  • Taylor Avenue (between Bay Street and Morin Street)
  • Quayle Avenue (between Bay Street and Morin Street)
  • Morin Street (from Quayle Avenue up to the entrance of the parade)
  • Bay Street/SR19 (from CR452 to Lakeview Avenue)
  • During this time, Grove Street will be converted to two-way traffic.
  • Bay Street will be reopened to thru-traffic once all parade entries have exited the street. Expect delays following the parade until normal traffic patterns are restored

Georgefest vendors will begin set up in Downtown Eustis, including Ferran Park at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, and will be leaving after 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25.

For questions or concerns, please contact the City of Eustis Events Office (352) 483-5491 or the Eustis Police Department at (352) 483-5400.  For Georgefest information and a schedule of events, please visit www.eustisgeorgefest.org.

Contact Us

Vendors and Applications

Email: vendor@eustis.org

Phone: 352-483-5491

Events and Tourism Department

Email: events@eustis.org

Phone: 352-483-5491

Presenting Partners

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Premiere Sponsors

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Washington Sponsors

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Liberty Sponsors
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Freedom Sponsors

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Honor Sponsors

Jeannie's Place, Magnolia Wine Garden, NAPA Auto of Umatilla, Nila's Alterations, North Lake Outpost, Terri's Flower Shop,

TipTops of America, Regalia Magnificent Apparel, Cobb's Tractor, Party Plus

United Sponsors

Chris' Place, HSLC Photography, Paws & Effect, Peddler's Wagon, Pontoon Yacht Club, Pure Cycles, Humane Society of Lake County,

Yooper Lube & Wash

 

A Reminder From George

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 An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting Eustis events you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Please help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and washing or sanitizing your hands frequently. Visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus