Out of the Way but Worth the Journey
Historic Cedar Key is a unique Florida community. Located, at the end of State Road 24 on the Gulf Coast of Florida, 60 miles SW of Gainesville . Visitors do not discover Cedar Key because they are passing through on their way to another destination. Instead, they usually have to plan to journey the extra twenty-four miles past the tiny town Otter Creek, down a road that looks like it is going to nowhere to discover this community’s beauty and charm.
The full-time population of Cedar Key has hovered around 750 for the past 100 years. Winter months bring a population boom that increases the population to a whopping 1000. It is a small town of smiles and waves as residents and visitors meet one another on the streets and sidewalks. Supported by a vibrant aquaculture industry producing delicious clams and oysters, as well as welcoming those who enjoy great sport fishing, birding, or the beauty of amazing sunsets, Cedar Key learned long ago the strength of this small town is in the sense of community.
Through the long history of Cedar Key this small town has endured devastating hurricanes, the challenges of the Civil War, and the radical changes in industries that brought on economic hardships. Through each challenge the sense of community has been proven as the single ingredient to keep the town life vibrant, warm and welcoming to all who cross the bridge entering Cedar Key.
In addition to bringing high quality, creative and unique art to this small island community, the Spring Arts Festival in Cedar Key, now in its 56th year, supports the community by allowing only local non-profit organizations to sell food and goodies at beachfront City Park during the event. This juried art festival, known as the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, is coordinated by the Cedar Key Arts Center and has been listed in ArtFairCalendar.com’s Top 10 Art Fairs in America the past three years. This festival attracts some of the best artists in the Southeast and beyond. Each artist, each visitor to Cedar Key, and each volunteer contribute to the strength of the community.
Your invitation to visit Cedar Key is always open, but there is no better time to come than during the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, planned for April 4 (10-5) & April 5 (10-4), 2020. Please plan to join us and enjoy what we know to be a unique experience that will have a lasting impact on you. You will not be sorry you traveled those extra miles to this special place on the Hidden Coast. More information at www.CedarKeyArtsFestival.com or contact us at CedaKeyArtsFestival@gmail.com (352-543-5400)
