Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's O'Leno State Park will host the celebration of springs and a chili cook-off on Saturday, March 27, 2010, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. (Chili Cook-off Participants arrive at 9 a.m.). The O'Leno State Park is located on US Hwy. 441 (six miles north of High Springs).

The Friends of O'Leno will sponsor the third annual O'Leno Ole' Chili Cook-Off while the St. Johns River Water Management District, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, Santa Fe Springs Working Group and Current Problems Inc. will sponsor a Springs Celebration with displays and activities designed to teach the importance of Florida's springs.

The registration fee for the cook-off is $20.00, with all proceeds benefitting to the Friends of O'Leno, a nonprofit agency for park improvement projects.

For more information or for advanced registration, contact Harriet Walsh at 386-454-4806 or friendsofoleno@windstream.net.

Chili and other refreshments will be available for purchase while enjoying the live music, interactive water education activities and children's crafts at the Springs Celebration. To learn more about this event and the importance of our springs visit www.santaferiversprings.com.

This event is free with regular park admission.

To learn more about the park, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/oleno.