Mixon Fruit Farms ready for annual orange festival

EAST COUNTY — Janet Mixon smiles as she walks through the gift shop and toward the citrus groves on her property.

Her love of creating memories for families who visit Mixon Fruit Farms, which she owns with her husband, Dean, and the events the farm hosts, make her feel like she works at Disney World, she said.

This weekend, the Mixons plan to compete with the “happiest place on Earth” as the farm hosts its seventh annual Orange Blossom Festival, which celebrates oranges coming into season. Festivities, which run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1 and March 2, include games, vendors, snacks and live entertainment.

“It’s just a fun day,” Mixon said. “We hope (the tradition is) never ending and keeps going on for years.”

In celebration of the farm’s 75th season, the couple decided to add a new attraction to this year’s festival: a classic car show. The show will feature more than 40 cars, and show participants with vehicles 75 years old and older will receive free entry.

For the children, the Mixons offer citrus-themed games as part of Mixon’s Kids Gamin’ Grove. The new attraction features games such as the Orange Picker’s Toss, Whippin’ Fruit and Juicin’ Bottle Bust.

Wildlife Inc., a local wildlife rehabilitation and education center, will educate individuals about alligators and provide photo opportunities with the reptile.

Patrons also can watch Rick Wallenda, and his high wire stunt troupe, the World Famous Wallendas, perform again this year. Individuals can complete a 200-foot zipline, which will take event goers through the farm’s groves, for $5, as well.

Attendees also can enjoy a variety of foods, including Mixon’s famous orange-swirl ice cream and Amish doughnuts. O’Brien Family Farms will offer strawberry shortcakes for sale.

The event also celebrates the sign that Florida’s signature fruit will soon be in season, Mixon said.

Despite fickle weather patterns, the Mixons expect oranges to arrives just in time for the festival, as they had hoped.

“We’re here to celebrate the season,” Mixon said. “Dean thinks this will be a good year for the oranges.”

IF YOU GO
WHERE: Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27 St. E., Bradenton

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1 and March 2

COST: Free parking and free entry, with coupon. Regular admission is $3.

DETAILS: Craft vendors, live music, entertainment, high wire stunts, zip line, bungee jumping and games

INFO: mixon.com

Entertainment lineup
March 1
9-9:30 a.m. — Wakeland Elementary chorus and dance team
9:30. — Southeast High orchestra
10 a.m. — Wallendas
10:30-11 a.m. — Southeast High guitar ensemble
11 a.m. — Mark Cydrus
Noon — Wallendas
12:30 a.m. — Starfire Dancers
3 p.m. — Wallendas
3:30 p.m. — Can’t Turn Left band

March 2
9:30 a.m. — Pearls and Diamonds Dance Team
10 a.m. — Wallendas
11:30 a.m. — Jazz One
Noon — Wallendas
12:30 p.m. — Starfire Dancers
2 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Shotgun Justice
3 p.m. — Wallendas

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected]