Mixon preps for second Harvest Festival

MANATEE COUNTY — From rock concerts to arts and crafts to a movie night and carnival games, Mixon Fruit Farms’ 10-day Harvest Festival will offer — quite literally — something for everyone.

Kicking off tonight with the first of two Concert in the Grove events and concluding Nov. 20-21 with a kid-friendly festival, Mixon’s second Harvest Festival will give families a chance to enjoy a variety of events together, said Janet Mixon, who co-owns the business with her husband, Dean.

“We really wanted to do something in town that anybody could afford,” she said. “All the events are free, so people can come and just look at things and not spend any money if they choose.

“It’s really all about community, family and making memories,” Mixon said.

Dr. Dave will kick off this year’s festival with the first of two Concert in the Grove events from 6-9 p.m. tonight. The second will feature New Justice on Nov. 18.

Mixon said she is excited for two of the festival’s newest additions — Movies in the Grove and the Culinary Competition. The Mixon silver screen will feature a “Tom and Jerry” cartoon followed by “Swiss Family Robinson” at 6 p.m., Nov. 12.

The next day, students from Southeast and Manatee high schools will show off their culinary skills in the Culinary Competition from 1-3 p.m., Nov. 13. Some of the area’s best chefs and foodies will judge, including Tracy Freeman, editor of Edible Sarasota; Chef Mark Traugutt, Sarasota Bay Club; Chef Al Massa, Michael’s On East; Chef Stephen Phelps, Bijou Café; Chef Lan Bradeen, Lan’s Restaurant; Chef Paul Mattison, Mattison’s Restaurants; and Chef Clinton Combs. The winning chef will earn time with Massa at Michael’s On East.

Festivities conclude with the two-day family festival Nov. 20-21. The festival will feature a variety of entertainment, including performances by students from Johnson Middle School, Rowlett Elementary and Manatee School for the Arts, arts and crafts booths, food, rides, games and more.

“Even Santa Claus will be here from noon to 3 p.m., Nov. 20-21,” Mixon said, laughing. “I really must have been deprived as a child, because we’re putting everything we can think of into this.”

The festival also will feature associates from Florida Agventure, including Kay Rosaire’s Big Cat Habitat, the Lipizzan stallions, Bear Country, Dakin Dairy and more.

Contact Michael Eng at [email protected].

SCHEDULE
All events will be at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2712 26th Ave. E. For more information, call 748-5829 or visit www.mixon.com.

Nov. 11 — Dr. Dave performs for Concert in the Grove, 6-9 p.m.
Nov. 12 — Health and Business Fair, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nov. 13 — Culinary Competition, 1-3 p.m.
Nov. 18 — New Justice performs for Concert in the Grove, 6-9 p.m.
Nov. 20-21 — Harvest Festival