Port Orange Annual Celebrations

Living in Port Orange offers many opportunities to be part of a "family atmosphere" and join in community based celebrations that are unique to our area. The City of Port Orange actively supports and encourages such celebrations because of the strong sense of community that is created when many neighbors and friends are brought together from time to time.

Below is a current listing of the community events and celebrations that take place year round in our growing community!

Freemanville Day Ceremony: Scheduled annually for the second Tuesday in the month February, this ceremony honors our community’s African-American heritage. The City of Port Orange will hosted the 1st Annual Freemanville Day Ceremony February 10, 2004 at the Riverside Pavilion. In 2003, the City proudly unveiled a State of Florida Historic Marker recognizing the small neighborhood in Port Orange known as Freemanville.

Here are some images of the 2004 ceremony: Mayor Allen Green making comments about what a treasure Freemanville is and also shares his memories of some people who lived in Freemanville. Bethune-Cookman College student Petal Mittleholzer reads from the recently published book about Freemanville.

The following photographs are from the 2003 Historic Marker Unveiling Ceremony.

The founding of Port Orange and the beginning of the Freemanville Settlement dates to 1867 when Dr. John Milton Hawks, a Union Army surgeon, and his fellow Union Army officers officially established Port Orange soon after the U.S. Civil War. Port Orange was the base of operation for their Florida Land & Lumber Company. Initially, 500 former slaves settled near the shores of the Halifax River on public lands secured for the company with the help of the US Freedman Bureau in 1866.

After falling on hard times, the settlement, the company, and the integrated school, disbanded in 1869. A majority of the settlers returned to their home states or headed for area citrus groves looking for work. Over time, the few families and individuals who stayed made up the pioneering African-American neighborhood of Freemanville.

St. Patrick’s Day: If you’re feeling the luck of the Irish, this springtime celebration is for you! Complete with a carnival for the kids and a St. Patrick’s Day parade with Bagpipes, your family will enjoy the festivities held at City Center. This activity is a fundraiser for the Port Orange Community Trust that works to support education and scholarship opportunities for kids in the Port Orange community. For further information contact Port Orange Community Trust at 267-0540.

Lakeside Jazz Festival: Set at the picturesque Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater, this event will be sure to please the music lover in everyone! Come and hear the hot jazz played by cool students from all over the State of Florida. The Lakeside Jazz Festival has grown into quite a celebration of music, food and entertainment. The festival attracts elementary, middle school and high school level jazz bands for two days of competition from across the local area and the State. Also featured are various college Jazz bands and performances from the professional groups who perform at the evening concerts. The US Navy Jazz band is a regular-featured performer at the festival. The City of Port Orange and the Atlantic High & Spruce Creek High Jazz Programs jointly sponsor the Lakeside Jazz Fest each year. For more information contact Andrew Kidd at Spruce Creek High 756-7200 or Dennis Scaccia at Atlantic High School 322-6100.

Here are some images of the 2003 Lakside Jazz Festival.

This year, the US Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus perform

Arbor Day: The City of Port Orange is pleased to be designated as a Tree City for the last 17 years by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Each April an Arbor Day a ceremony is hosted by the Mayor & Council to encourage the planting of trees. The ceremony also pays tribute to the family members of City employees and trees are planted in their memory. The ceremony is typically held in the Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater at City Center. For further information contact the Parks and Recreation Dept. at 756-5290.

Atlantic Shores Velo Bike Race: Set at the City Center, this bike race features over 200 bicyclists competing. Spectators are welcome to watch the event, which is usually scheduled in May each year. For further information call 756-5391.

Memorial Day: Hosted by American Legion Post #270 each Memorial Day the City honors those brave men and women of our Armed Forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Join us at Veterans Plaza in the City Center complex for this important and moving ceremony honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom.

Summer Concert Series: The City of Port Orange hosts a summer concert series enjoyed by thousands each year! Come out on Sunday afternoons and hear many interesting groups play music at the outdoor amphitheater. Feature groups have included jazz, reggae, concert bands, bluegrass, rock and roll, country and pop. For information contact the Parks and Recreation Dept. at 756-5391.

Fourth of July: Come have an "old fashion" Fourth of July celebration. The City’s annual Fourth of July activities are a community-wide event open to the whole family. Spend a lazy afternoon having picnic and family games on the civic lawn of City Hall. The evening events feature a popular band performing a live concert at the Kenneth W. Parker Amphitheater. Bring your lawn chair, some ice cold drinks, and enjoy the show. Stay on after dark and show your patriotism by enjoying the spectacular 4th of July Fireworks show at our wonderful City Center! For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 756-5390.

Port Orange ArtFest: This annual two-day juried fine arts show features local, regional, and national artists. Located around the beautiful lake at City Center, ArtFest 2005 was held April 9 and 10 along with the Lakside Jazz Festival. For further information contact Parks & Recreation Dept. at 756-5391.

Family Days: A celebration as unique as Port Orange itself, come and enjoy four fun filled days of food, entertainment, chalk art displays, carnival rides, games, contests, golf tournament, community information booths, crafts and well- just plain fun! From the free Jet Ski rides on the City Center Lake to the special entertainment you will find something for every one in your family to enjoy. Family Days originally started by founder and community activist Al Bell began as a simple block party to "bring Port Orange together". Today, over 60,000 enjoy the four days of festivities which features a parade, fireworks show, art, games and contests, free kids area, a Community wide prayer service on Sunday morning, a Pancake Breakfast and more! For further information contact Port Orange Community Trust at 267-0540 or check on the web-site at www.familydays.com.

Veterans Day: Hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #3282 each Veterans Day the City honors those brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have sacrificed and served their country. Join us at Veterans Plaza in the City Center complex for this important ceremony honoring those who have protected our freedom.

Craft Show: Each December & May the Port Orange Association of the Arts hosts its annual craft show at City Center. The show attracts vendors and craft makers from all over the southeast and features 100 or more booths to choose from. Come stroll City Center and shop for that special holiday gift. For further information contact Jane Weimer 756-5152 ext. 27.

Christmas Tree Lighting: You better watch out and you better not cry as Santa Claus comes to Port Orange each year in his bright red fire truck! With sirens blaring and bands playing jolly old St. Nick brings Christmas Cheer to all! The Mayor & City Council are on hand to bring in the holiday season and light the City Christmas Tree each year. For further information contact the Parks and Recreation Dept. at 756-5390.

Christmas Parade: Thousands who anxiously line Dunlawton Ave each year enjoy the annual Christmas Parade in Port Orange. The Parade features local high school and middle school bands, cheerleaders, clowns, clubs, community groups, churches and business of all kinds. You will be sure and leave this event in a holiday mood after seeing a true down home parade full of community pride and cheer! For further information contact the Parks & Recreation Dept. at 756-5390.