INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Citizens for the St. Sebastian Preserve, the support organization for the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park in Fellsmere, will be hosting the 8th annual Goby Fest on March 24. This event will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in and around the Visitor Center, located on the north side of the park off of County Road 507. Admission and parking are free.
Bring the whole family and check out numerous informative booths set up by local environmental, nature and animal groups, including the upcoming National Elephant Center . The local Herpetelogical Society will have snakes on display, and representatives from the coastal and aquatic managed areas will once again offer everyone a chance to meet a real Goby and other aquatic creatures in their touch tank.
For those unfamiliar, the Goby is a small fish that makes its home in the Indian River Lagoon and Sebastian River.
The ever popular hayride is not to be missed. Not only do visitors get to enjoy a ride through a beautiful area of the park, they also get treated to a living history demonstration.
Back by popular demand, our cracker cowboy (circa 1880s) will explain his way of life and what role the park played in it. Hayrides take place on the hour throughout the day and are $2 per person. All proceeds benefit the park.
For equestrians, a “no frills” horseback poker ride will take place on the morning of the event. Trail will open at 9 a.m., and the last rider must be out by 9:30 p.m. The fee is $5 per hand. A cash prize will go to the winning hand, amount depending upon participation.
The trail will be five to seven miles. After the ride, riders are encouraged to attend the Goby Fest as well. There is no pre-registration for the poker ride.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
If you have any questions or are interested in being a vendor or having your group represented, contact Kim Gault at CitizensForTheStSebastian@gmail.com or call (321) 750-4361.
