Oakland Heritage Day, presented by Orlando Health and in partnership with Healthy West Orange and the Oakland Nature Preserve, returns this month to commemorate Oakland’s 135th anniversary. The time-honored festival will be revitalized with fresh, new experiences tailored for both longtime and new residents alike. It will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Historic downtown Oakland.
The festival celebrates Oakland’s small-town charm, unique history, nature, wellness and the arts with a family-friendly day of live music, food trucks, fine arts and crafts, quality vendors, interactive kids’ activities, and more.
Speer Park
- The Gerry Williams Band, a funk, soul, and R&B act, headlines the festival, with additional performances by soloist Kelly Jarrard and Handpicked, a banjo trio beloved for their residency at an Orlando theme park.
• Food trucks include Burger Fi, Smoking Soul BBQ, Razzo’s Pizzeria, and Hot Dog Therapy; sweet treats and beer and wine garden are by West Orange Creamery.
• Historic Florida section is sponsored by Oakland Nature Preserve featuring animal ambassadors and a silent auction benefitting the Preserve.
• Gatorland’s live show features alligators, snakes, and exotic reptile encounters.
• Orange Blossom Market offers boutique vendors. For a full list, visit www.oaklandfl.gov/1002/Vendor-Form.
Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center
- Westly’s 6th Annual Virtual 5K In-Person Event kicks off from the Center at 9 a.m. and continues to the Healthy West Orange Fresh Start Zone at Speer Park. Register here: HWOEvents.org.
- The Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble, presented by HAPCO, performs from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- The Center’s art and history exhibit “Hold Fast to Dreams” celebrates Black heritage.
- Participate in a History Harvest by bringing historic items relating to Oakland to be donated, loaned or scanned.
- Soul Haven Ranch offers historic horse-drawn carriage tours beginning on Petris Avenue outside the Center. Register here: www.soulhavenranch.com/historic-carriage-tour.
For more information about Oakland Heritage Day, visit oaklandfl.gov/999/Community-Events or follow the Town on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oaktownusa.
