JULY AUGUST 2017 BUZZ Magazine

to hang with the kids. Something for everyone!
There are rows of vendors selling
anything from soap to tie dye to wooden
flutes. Shopping is inevitable with these talented
folks lined up. Then you’ve got the
food. It’s hard to resist the smells coming
from those food trucks! You can find something
great to munch on no matter what
your preferences. Vegan and vegetarian options
are available. And tasty. Looking for
an activity? There are great workshops offered
by Rising Light, a non-profit made up
of volunteers that brings interactive Playshops
to the community! I attended a few of
the workshops at OBJ and was not disappointed.
The workshops are free and include
things such as photography, yoga,
jewelry making, an instrument “petting
zoo”, and an edible plant walk. The information
you gain is invaluable and the workshops
are a blast! With so much going on
you may need time out. If you feel the need
to take a break the creek that runs through
the ranch is the spot to be. The cool, shaded
water provides just what you need to recuperate.
Overall, this year’s Orange Blossom
Jamboree was perfect. A blend of music,
friends, education, good eats, and the outdoors
that is impossible to resist! If you
haven’t gone to this festival, please give it a
try. The feeling you get when sitting there
among the trees listening to live music with
your friends is hard to describe. And one
thing I know….at OBJ things are different.
You are welcomed with open arms and free
to be yourself. That’s what makes this festival
unique. It’s a small, family-oriented
gathering of like-minded people that know
how to have a good time. The reason the
Orange Blossom Jamboree has this feel is
that it was begun with those things in mind.
In 2009, Russ and Toby Bowers wanted to
host a local music festival featuring only
Florida bands that kept things small and
that’s exactly what they did. Small crowd,
huge music lineup. Mix it all up and you get
that family feel year after year!
If you are interested in attending the
Orange Blossom Jamboree next year, the
festival is planned for May 17-20 of 2018 at
the Sertoma Youth Ranch in Brooksville,
Florida. For more information visit
www.orangeblossomjamboree.com .
14 BUZZ MAGAZINE JULY-AUGUST 2017