Live entertainment will fill the stage both days of the Festival (full schedule of performers below)
Families from across the region will gather the second weekend in October deep in the heart of Blackwater River State Forest for the 22nd Annual Munson Heritage Festival, a two‑day celebration of old‑time skills, local history, and community pride.
The festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, at scenic Krul Lake Recreation Area. The fun-filled event will feature more than 120 vendors, demonstrations, live entertainment, contests, and activities for all ages.
One of this year’s highlights will be a special appearance by Raymon Melvin of Holley, who will demonstrate how families once made their livelihoods from the vast forests surrounding Munson — a living reminder of the area’s deep roots in timber, turpentining, and traditional craftsmanship.
Visitors can stroll the lakeside grounds to explore Native American displays, wood carving, basket weaving, corn‑shuck doll making, dulcimer crafting, shoe cobbling, cross‑cut sawing, and a working old‑time circular sawmill. Local museums will also be on hand with historical exhibits that bring the region’s past to life.
🚙 New This Year: Jeep Car Show on Sunday
In addition to Saturday’s antique tractor show and classic car show, festival organizers have added a Jeep show on Sunday, giving auto enthusiasts another reason to make the trip to Krul Lake. Classic, custom, and off‑road Jeeps will be showcased throughout the day, adding a modern twist to the heritage‑themed weekend. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Cost is $25 per entry. For more information or to pre-register, call Randy Butts at 251-238-1485.
🦆 Duck Races, Archery Contest & Family Fun
The festival’s popular duck race returns with 600 ducks competing each day. On Sunday at 2 p.m., an archery contest will take place ($25 registration, contact Travis Ates at 850‑957‑5701 ext. 5751). Additionally, the annual student art show will take place for local and high school students.
Kids can enjoy hands‑on activities, demonstrations, and old‑fashioned games, while adults browse handcrafted goods, antiques, and local foods.
Other family-friendly attractions include: a petting zoo, vendors galore, pony rides, sawmill demonstrations, grist mill demonstrations, a Florida wildlife exhibition, plus more.
🎶 Live Entertainment All Weekend
A full lineup of performers will take the stage:
Saturday, Oct. 10
- 10 am Don Lopez
- 11 am New River Train
- 12 pm Pleasant Home FFA String Band
- 1 pm White Sands Panhandle Band
- 2 pm Chris Golden
Sunday, Oct. 11
- 9 am Ole Time Preachin’
- 10:30 am Southern Grass
- 11:30 am MHF Art Contest Winners
- 12 pm Pleasant Home FFA String Band
- 1 pm White Sands Panhandle Band
- 2:00 Chris Golden
Hay bales will be available for seating, but attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs.
Admission is $10 per vehicle. There will be no ATM on site, and cell service may not be reliable in the park, which is located at 11007 Krul Lake Road, Milton, FL 32570.
Handicapped parking available. No animals except identified, harnessed service animals are allowed in the state park. Bicycling and swimming are not allowed during the Festival.
For more details or to apply to be a vendor, visit http://MunsonHeritage.com.
