Put a Spring in Your Step
by Kevin Fritz
Spring is in the air, and Longwood is inviting local families to sample a variety of city events that feature entertainment, food, and fun for all ages.
“We like to give residents affordable experiences for the enjoyment of the entire family,” says Ryan Rinaldo, the city’s recreation manager.
Whatcha Got Cookin’?
The second annual Longwood Strawberry Fest kicked off the city’s spring lineup in a delicious way in early March. Now, it’s time to swap out the sweet for the savory by indulging in the annual Chili Cook-Off, to be held from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14 in the Downtown Historic District.
The Chili Cook-Off is a fundraiser that supports the city’s Parks and Recreation Department programming. Teams will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights as Longwood’s finest chili chefs. Tickets are available through the city’s website, and each purchase comes with a free bottle of water.
Also on tap that night is the free Longwood Cruise-in Car Show from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Downtown Historic District, featuring classic cars, a DJ, and food for purchase.
Eggcitement in the Air
As the calendar flips from March to April, the city will offer even more opportunities for family fun, starting with its annual Egg Hunt from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 4 in the Downtown Historic District.
The free event is sponsored by Magic 107.7 and is produced in partnership with the Church @ 434, which supplies the eggs and volunteers to make the event successful. Nine egg hunts (divided by age group) are planned throughout the morning, along with games, activity booths, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Also on tap is the Bunny Breakfast, with three seatings beginning at 9:00 a.m. The breakfast is $9 per adult, $7 per child (ages three to 10), and free for kids two and younger.
A Healthy Option
If you want to sample a smorgasbord of Longwood events all in one day, then Saturday, April 11 is the time to do just that.
Things kick off with the Farmers Market from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Reiter Park, at 311 West Warren Avenue. Next up is the annual Health Fair, featuring vendors and free health screenings from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Longwood Community Building, at 200 West Warren Avenue.
That evening, the Concert and Food Truck Battle takes center stage from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Reiter Park. The free concert will showcase the cool island vibes of Longwood’s own Caribbean Crew Reggae & Steel Drum Band. Food trucks will battle it out, with judges determining who wins for best entrée and best dessert.
A Walk To Remember
Wrapping things up in April will be the fourth annual Walk for Autism Awareness & Inclusion at Reiter Park from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. The family-oriented event, sponsored by Central Florida Therapy Solutions, will feature more than 40 autism-related services and vendors.
“We really want to let anyone in the city who is affected by autism know there are so many different services and programs that are eager to help,” says Chris Capizzi, director of leisure services.
The event features much more than a walk around the park. There will also be appearances by Disney princesses, therapy animals, and free food, event T-shirts, and noise-cancelling headphones, while supplies last. There is no fee to participate in the walk.
“We pride ourselves on putting on top-tier events,” says Chris, “and we utilize Reiter Park for what it was built for – to be Longwood’s centerpiece.”