Nearly every December we pack our camper and head to Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs, FL for their Festival of Lights. We learned of it on our first camping trip to the Florida parks ten years ago. The park volunteers told us not to miss it, and fortunately we secured a campsite due to a cancellation.
Through the years it grew. In addition to the drive to see all the lights in their holiday and woodland scenes you could park and visit the country store and adjacent craft cabins. The area filled with bustling with shoppers checking out merchandise and many craftspeople demonstrating how they make their creations, everyone encouraged on by free hot chocolate and free popcorn. Last year the center portion between the museums turned into a holiday wonderland for walking, with lighted paths and light exhibits along the way, vendors, a snow machine, a large model rail set up, and last but certainly not least Santa Claus.
This year of course Covid-19 affected the plans. All of the walk through areas, the beautifully decorated museum buildings, the country store, and craft cabin activities were cancelled. But, the drive went on. From the campground we drove around two evenings, taking photos and enjoying the festive lights.
Thank you to the staff of the park, and all the many volunteers who kept this holiday tradition alive.
Nichter Photography PLUS 