Springtime Tallahassee facts for kids
Springtime Tallahassee is a yearly celebration in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It happens on the last Saturday in March or the first Saturday in April. This event celebrates Tallahassee's rich history and culture.
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Discovering Springtime Tallahassee's History
Springtime Tallahassee started in 1967. The main idea was to help keep Tallahassee as Florida's capital city. At that time, some lawmakers from southern and central Florida wanted to move the capital to a more central location.
Tallahassee's leaders and business owners came up with a plan. They asked their local lawmakers for help. When some lawmakers made negative comments about Tallahassee, local groups stepped in. The Junior League of Tallahassee organized bus tours of historic homes for the wives of these lawmakers. This helped show off Tallahassee's charm. The Rotary Club also created a guide called Tallahassee In View to highlight the city's long history.
By the autumn of 1967, about 20 different groups were planning the first annual Tallahassee Spring Festival. The first festival included a parade and a special show. These events celebrated Tallahassee becoming the capital of Florida when it was a territory.
In 1969, a group of men led by A.F. "Pete" Rich helped organize and support the festival. His wife, Mrs. Jean Rich, was the main leader for the event. A new group called SpringTime Tallahassee, Inc. was formed. Its goal was to share the history and beauty of Tallahassee with everyone in Florida.
By 1970, Springtime Tallahassee had grown to 200 members. In 1971, the organization changed its structure. It divided into five "krewes." Each krewe would represent a different historical period of Tallahassee.
Some events have been canceled over the years. In 2018, the Jubilee in the Park was not held due to lightning concerns. In 2020, the entire Springtime Tallahassee event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the event was moved to May 15, which was the latest date in its history. That year, a parade float honoring Andrew Jackson was replaced. A new float featuring the current governor was used instead. This change was part of a wider movement to update public displays. The Grand Parade was also not held in 2022 due to rain forecasts and safety concerns.
Exciting Springtime Events
Springtime Tallahassee offers many fun activities for everyone.
- Breakfast in the Park
This event kicks off the festivities. The whole community is invited to eat breakfast together in a historic park downtown. Local TV and radio stations are often there.
- Music Fest
On Friday night, before the parade, there's a free concert at Kleman Plaza. This concert features well-known musical artists.
- Springtime Tallahassee Parade
This parade is one of the biggest in the southeastern United States. It attracts over 200,000 visitors. You can see colorful floats, people dressed in amazing costumes, and even horse-drawn carriages.
- Jubilee in the Park
This event combines arts and crafts, exhibits, food, and entertainment. It's a lively celebration that lasts all day.
- Springtime 10k Road Race
This race happens right before the Springtime Tallahassee Parade. It starts downtown and goes through the Myers Park neighborhood. About 1600 people participate each year.
Understanding the Krewes
The krewes are groups that represent different periods of Tallahassee's history. There are five main krewes: Spanish, American Territorial, Antebellum-Statehood, War and Reconstruction, and 20th Century. Each krewe creates a float and another entry for the parade to show their historical era.
Spanish Krewe: Early Explorers
The Spanish Krewe is the largest krewe. It represents Spanish Florida from 1528 to 1821. This includes the explorations of Hernando de Soto in Florida in 1539. The Spanish Krewe also does many good deeds for the community throughout the year. They are very involved in the main Springtime Tallahassee parties and Float Day.
American Territorial Krewe: New Beginnings
The American Territorial Krewe represents Florida when it became a United States territory. On March 4, 1824, Governor William P. Duval officially named Tallahassee the state capital. The town was officially named Tallahassee later that year. Tallahassee became an incorporated city in 1825.
Antebellum Krewe: Growth and Charm
The Antebellum Krewe represents the period from 1825 to 1860. During this time, many planters moved south to the rich lands of Leon County. Tallahassee grew socially and politically. Famous people like Prince Achille Murat, who was Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew, and his wife Catherine Willis Gray, a grandniece of George Washington, lived in the area. Florida became the 27th state in 1845. This krewe collects canned goods, dry goods, and gently used coats and blankets for charity. Their main theme is southern charm and hospitality.
War and Reconstruction Krewe: A Time of Change
The War and Reconstruction Krewe represents the period from 1861 to 1900, which includes the American Civil War. Tallahassee was the only southern capital east of the Mississippi River that was not captured by Union troops. Members of this krewe wear historical clothing from 1865-1900. Women wear dresses with bustles and hoop skirts. Men also dress in period clothing. A costume expert helps members find the perfect outfit.
20th Century Krewe: Modern Tallahassee
The 20th Century Krewe shows how Tallahassee grew from a quiet southern town into a busy capital city. Florida's state government has been the main industry. Farming, timber, and cattle also helped the city's economy grow. At the start of the 20th century, Tallahassee had only about 3,000 people. Today, its population is around 190,000.
Belles and Gents: Young Leaders
The Springtime Belles and Gents are a service group for high school-aged young women and men. They are children or grandchildren of Springtime members. These young people learn about Tallahassee and Florida history. They also receive training in poise, good grooming, and etiquette. They take part in community, social, and government activities. Mr. and Miss Springtime are chosen based on their community service, knowledge of history, interviews, and a vote from their peers. They receive a $500 scholarship and are announced at the annual Coronation Ball. They lead during the Springtime Festivities.
Governor's Staff: Representing the Event
The Governor's Staff is a special unit within Springtime Tallahassee, similar to a sixth krewe. Two Springtime members are chosen to act as the Governor and First Lady. They work with the President and General Chairman to represent the organization. The Governor's Staff is made up of members from the five krewes, chosen for a five-year term.
How Springtime is Organized
Springtime is a community organization. It works to promote and protect Tallahassee's history. The Springtime Board of Directors leads the organization. They meet and work in downtown Tallahassee.
