Suwannee Valley Times is distributed into the following cities and towns: Lake City, Live Oak, Madison, Branford, Dowling Park, Falmouth, Lee, Wellborn, Jasper, White Springs, Fort White, High Springs and Alachua

All Aboard Festival Coming Feb 1, 2025

By Katherine Allen, UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension

The second annual All Aboard Festival will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Heritage Square (Old Train Station/Museum) in downtown Live Oak. It will run from 9am-5pm, with music starting at 10 a.m.. There will be food trucks, vendors and a variety of family friendly activities: antique car show, docent tours at the renovated museum, local authors, a touch-a-truck area, kiddie ride, youth activities, games, and more! Don’t forget to stop by downtown merchants as long as you are in the area for the festival!

This is the first of two festivals organized and hosted by Suwannee Festivals, a collaboration of the Suwannee River Regional Library, UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension and the Live Oak Artists Guild.

“The community really supported our first effort,” says Katherine Allen, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension. “Last year we weren’t sure how many attendees would come. It was fantastic to see how many people came downtown to support local entrepreneurial efforts, whether it was a food truck or a new crafter. This is a great time to learn about other organizations in our community.”

“We love the opportunity to showcase some of the heritage in our community. We love that the Chamber, North Florida College (current residents of the renovated passenger depot), and the Museum were open for tours; the Live Oak Fire Department had “Old Bessie” out for photos; and local historians were on hand to share little known facts.” Shares Chelsea Wenz, Staff Assistant at UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension and former curator at the Suwannee County Historical Museum.

Mark your calendars for Suwannee Festivals’ Spring event on May 10, 2025. The Wildflower Festival and plant sale will be back at Heritage Park and Gardens from 9am-5pm. “I have wanted to have a wildflower festival for years. It is amazing how we can make a dream a reality if everyone pitches in!”, exclaims Anda Chance, Live Oak Artists Guild, Inc. President. “Plus, who doesn’t like wildflowers?”

Although last years’ inaugural events were financially assisted through a grant, this year, it is truly a grassroots effort. “We couldn’t make these festivals happen without volunteers and our partners throughout the county and city. Everyone has been great about pitching in and helping make something for us all to enjoy,” reports Katherine, “but we need help with sponsors to help pay for insurance and a little marketing.”

If you would like to be a sponsor, would like to volunteer or need a vendor application you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact the UF/IFAS Extension office at 386-362-2771.