Special Events for Highlands Hammock State Park

• FIRECRACKER 5K RACE
  Date: Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 7:30 a.m.
  Description: Pop out of bed and get crackin' at this annual 4th of July 5K. Wear your red, white and blue and show your patriotic spirit! Race begins promptly at 7:30 a.m. and is a fast, flat track under the hardwood hammock of Highlands Hammock State Park.
  Fees: Entry fees: $20
  Contact: Chet Brojek at 863 385-4736 or cbrojek@comcast.net
  
• CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS FESTIVAL
  Date: Saturday, November 7, 2009
  Description: Come enjoy the 24th Annual CCC Festival at Highlands Hammock State Park from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Browse and shop arts & crafts vendors, enjoy live music, antique cars, entertainment, exhibits and more throughout the park's picnic area. Mingle with former CCC alumni and hear stories of life in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s and 40s. Dorothy L. Harris, Park Services Specialist at (863) 634-7695 or dorothy.l.harris@dep.state.fl.us
  Fees: Park admission of $4.00 per vehicle (up to eight people per carload) applies.
  Contact: Dorothy Harris at 863 634-7695
  
• 17TH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING MORNING TURKEY TROT 5K
  Date: Thursday, November 26, 2009
  Description: Burn some calories before your big meal and enjoy the fun with hundreds of other runners at this popular fall race. Race begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and winds on the fast, flat track through the heart of Highlands Hammock State Park. Expect full shade and cool temperatures.
  Fees: Entry fees: $20
  Contact: Chet Brojek at 863 385-4736 or cbrojek@comcast.net
  

Highlands Hammock State Park Ranger Programs

• COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLES
  2009 - October 18th, November 15th, December 20th
  2010 Dates - January 17th, February 21th, March 21th, April 18th, May 16th and June 20th
  
  Bring an instrument and join in the fun. Suitable for all ages. Pack up your lawn chairs and a sense of adventure and join members of the Primal Connection PrimalConnection.org for this community drum circle. Held outdoors on the lawn of the picnic area. Regular park admission applies ($4.00 per vehicle, up to eight people per carload)
  Call Fred Leavitt (863) 402 8238 for more details.
• TRAM TOURS
  Tuesdays - Fridays at 1:00 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
  
  Come enjoy a narrated tour of the park’s natural areas, including a journey into the remote areas where you may see alligators, turtles, wading birds and more! Tours average about an hour. Tour tickets are in additional to the park admission fee and cost $4.00 per adult, $2.00 for children 6-12 yrs, (children under age six may ride free)
  Call (863) 386-6094 for more details.
• GUIDED WALKS
  Mon., Nov. - April 30 10 AM Join a park ranger on a leisurely 45-minute walk on one of the park’s beautiful nature trails. Enjoy the opportunity to interact with other visitors, families and kids as together you learn more about the park, its history and the wildlife. Trail distance is approximately one-half mile. Inquire at ranger station for featured trail.
  Call (863) 386-6094 for more details.
• RANGER'S CHOICE PROGRAM
  Thursday evenings through April 30th, 2008
  Join a park ranger for a fun-filled activity that will vary from week to week. May include programs such as a moonlight walk, slide program, night tram tour, evening hayride or bicycle tour - just the thing for your family to better enjoy their campout and make great memories! Activity level and duration will vary with planned program. Start time is around sundown - Call the Ranger Station for specific times and locations.
  Call (863) 386-6094 for more details.
• CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS
  Sat. evenings, Nov. - April Sundown Sit back under the stars with your family members and relax as a park ranger presents a slide show on different aspects of the Real Florida. Topics will vary and may include; plant communities, wildlife, fire ecology, insects, park history, and more! Your kids will love it! Call the park for exact time and location.
  Call (863) 386-6094 for more details.