Seafood Chowder and Fresh Crabs Anchor Old Homosassa This Weekend
Lecanto, FL · November 14, 2026
A stiff northerly breeze is cutting through the pines early today, but the steam rising from the fresh seafood kettles down by the river will make quick work of the chill.
The Lead
The 51st Annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival opens its gates this morning along Mason Creek Road, bringing thousands of visitors and more than 175 artists and food vendors to the historic waterfront community. Organized by the Homosassa Civic Club, the two-day gathering serves as the primary fundraiser supporting local youth scholarships, civic upkeep, and community programs throughout the year.
Beyond the juried art competition and live roots music, the main draw remains the food pavilions, where local fishing crews and civic volunteers serve up fresh mullet, stone crab claws, and smoked fish spreads. Festival organizers have designated satellite parking areas with shuttle pickups along Grover Cleveland Boulevard to ease neighborhood congestion. Gates open at 9:00 AM both days, with entry handled by volunteer greeters collecting donations at the primary pedestrian gates.
Local Pulse
Seasonal Produce Returns to Central Ridge Community Local growers and specialty vendors set up open-air booths this morning at the county park in Beverly Hills.
Marine Science Station Hosts Estuaries Open House Parks Families can tour touch tanks, coastal exhibits, and research vessels today along Sailboat Avenue.
Downtown Crystal River Launches Untapped Stroll Business Merchants along Citrus Avenue pair local shopping with beverage tastings throughout Saturday afternoon.
Today's Outlook
- High 63°F · Low 42°F — Overcast
- Grab a sturdy jacket before stepping out into the brisk morning air.
What's On Around Town
Today
Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival Homosassa Civic Club Grounds (5300 S Mason Creek Rd), Homosassa, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · $5 Live music, handmade artisan stalls, and fresh Gulf catches.
CCPR Seasonal Farmers Market Central Ridge Community Park (592 W Lake Beverly Dr), Beverly Hills, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM · Free Fresh farm produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
National Estuaries Day Open House Marine Science Station (3266 N Sailboat Ave), Crystal River, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · Free Marine touch tanks and educational boat exhibits on the salt marsh.
Crystal River Untapped Historic Downtown (532 N Citrus Ave), Crystal River, 3:00–7:00 PM · Paid Craft beverage stroll through downtown boutiques and eateries.
Tomorrow
- Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival Homosassa Civic Club Grounds (5300 S Mason Creek Rd), Homosassa, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM · $5
Monday
- Books & Babies Storytime Lakes Region Library (1511 Druid Rd), Inverness, 10:00–10:30 AM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- 24 Regulation Horseshoe Pits
- Just north of the town line at Central Ridge Community Park sits Florida's largest dedicated horseshoe compound. Built with 24 clay-packed, regulation-length pits, the tournament complex draws competitive pitchers from across the Southeast while hosting quiet, pick-up matches every weekend morning.
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