Around Town

If you are looking for a place where there is always plenty to do, look no further. The Haines City northeast region offers a plethora of activities, festivals, parades, and annual events to keep your calendar full all year!

Start the year off with our Annual Bluegrass Festival. Bring your lawn chair, family and friends to Lake Eva Park for the good ole sounds of live bluegrass music on a pleasant January afternoon.

The Heart of Florida Senior Games come to Haines City each January, offering the over-55 group a great way to compete and have fun! Hundreds of residents and visitors participate in Olympic-type contests, conducted over a five day period. The Senior Games continue in March with table tennis and basketball events.

Do you want to tantalize your taste buds? If so, come to February’s “Taste of Haines City.” Delicacies and specialties from restaurants and private caterers around Polk County cook up something for everyone’s taste. With almost two dozen participants, we promise you will not leave on an empty stomach!

Each March, the Heritage Days Festival celebrates the past, recognizing a heritage that began with the Native Americans. Thousands of local residents and visitors from around the state descend on Lake Eva Park to view the historical displays, appreciate restored antique vehicles, and watch civil war reenactments. Announcement of the Pioneer of the Year during the annual Pioneer’s breakfast kicks off the event. Vendors sell a variety of arts, crafts and food to families enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

Celebrating our national independence day is high priority for Haines City, prompting one of the largest day-long events in the northeast region. Into the night the park is jam packed with events including nationally recognized entertainment, family activities and a car show. The day culminates with Polk County’s largest fireworks display on the shores of Lake Eva.

The Annual Pig Roast & Political Rally hosted by the Haines City-Northeast Polk County Regional Chamber of Commerce also attracts state attention and attendance. Held in August, organizers extend an invitation to all local, county, and state legislative candidates. With over 600 attendees, the Pig Roast is considered Central Florida’s largest political rally. This year, our 26th Pig Roast & Political Rally is sure to be the best yet!

In September, the Chamber hosts the Invitational Golf Tournament at one of our local championship courses. At least 100 participants (some golfers- some not) enjoy the Four-Person Captain’s Scramble. Refreshments, tournament awards, door prizes and a delicious awards luncheon keep everyone entertained. Join us in 2009 for another beautiful day of golf our 19th Annual Tournament!

October not only brings cool crisp weather, pumpkins and fall leaves, it also brings a fun filled festival jam packed with activities – Haines City’s Fall Festival. The day of family entertainment includes talented artisans, hay rides, children’s games, the infamous costume contest, along with vendors and their fabulous food.

If you own a motorcycle or are just a huge bike fan, you have to stop in at Haines City’s Bike Fest, held the fourth Saturday of every month. At least three thousand people, many on bikes, come from all over to see the bikes and participate in the bike games. Everyone enjoys the eclectic merchandise, hearty food and live entertainment. Our local “Born to Ride” television show can be seen gathering video footage for its next TV spot.

If you haven’t seen snow - here is your chance at Haines City’s “Glitter Glisten and Snow”! This family event coincides with the City’s annual Christmas Parade where Santa and Mrs. Claus make a special appearance. These two events provide families a unique opportunity to have their photo taken with the famous Claus couple, sample chestnuts and cider, and create holiday crafts while enjoying a variety of entertainment, strolling carolers and SNOW!