Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, Florida State Parks, and the Friends of O’Leno invite citizens to the eighth annual O’Leno Ole’ Chili Cook-Off (from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Springs Celebration (from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), on Saturday March 28, 2015, at O’Leno State Park (410 SE O’Leno Park Road).  Admission to the park is free with the donation of one can of food per person to benefit a local food bank. Chili tasting kits will be on sale for $5. All proceeds assist the Friends of O’Leno, Inc., a non-profit organization with their mission of supporting the park.

The event includes: a chili cook-off, live music from the Weeds of Eden, model railroad displays, a guided walk, children’s activities and environmental exhibits.

“The Springs Celebration is a great event for learning how our actions are connected to the health of our springs, even when we live tens of miles away from them,” said Alachua County

Environmental Protection Water Conservation Coordinator Stacie Greco.   She continued, “When we use a lot of water and fertilizer on our farms and yards we may be harming the springs of the Santa Fe River.”

View the event flyer and the schedule of events.

For more information, visit the Alachua County Springs Protection website, the Facebook event, or contact Stacie Greco at 352-264-6829.