- December 3, 2024
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Oakland Heritage Day returns this year to commemorate the town of Oakland’s 135th anniversary. The festival — set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, in historic downtown Oakland — will be revitalized with fresh, new experiences tailored for both longtime and new residents.
The event 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, vendors, interactive children’s activities, and more.
Activities will take place in two locations: Speer Park and the Health West Orange Arts & Heritage Center.
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 known for its residency at a local theme park.
• Food trucks including Burger Fi, Smoking Soul BBQ, Razzo’s Pizzeria and Hot Dog Therapy; sweet treats, beer and wine garden by West Orange Creamery.
• Historic Florida section sponsored by Oakland Nature Preserve featuring blacksmiths, animal ambassadors and a silent auction benefitting the preserve.
• Gatorland’s live alligators, snakes and exotic reptile encounters.
ARTS & HERITAGE CENTER
• Westly's 6th Annual Virtual 5K in-person event kicks off from the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at 9 a.m. and continues to the Healthy West Orange Fresh Start Zone at Speer Park. Register at bit.ly/3JO7aT3.
• The Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble will perform on the center porch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Soul Haven Ranch will offer horse-drawn carriage tours beginning on Petris Avenue outside the center. Register at bit.ly/3X1QflF.
• Participate in a History Harvest by bringing historic items relating to Oakland to be donated, loaned or scanned at the center.
• The center’s art and history exhibit will celebrate African American heritage in Florida and Oakland.
For more information, visit oaklandfl.gov/999/Community-Events.
The event is presented by Orlando Health in partnership with Healthy West Orange and the Oakland Nature Preserve.