Oakland Heritage Day returns to historic downtown Oakland tomorrow

Oakland Heritage Day returns to historic downtown Oakland tomorrow, Saturday, January 28 to commemorate Oakland’s 135th anniversary.

The time-honored festival celebrates Oakland’s small-town charm, unique history, nature, wellness and the arts with a family-friendly day of live music, food trucks, fine arts and crafts, quality vendors, interactive kids’ activities, and more.

The festivities will be centered around Speer Park and the Healthy West Orange Arts and Hertiage Center.

Speer Park Highlights: The Gerry Williams Band, a funk, soul, and R&B act, headlines the festival, with additional performances by soloist Kelly Jarrard and Handpicked, a banjo trio beloved for their residency at an Orlando theme park. Food trucks including Burger Fi, Smoking Soul BBQ, Razzo’s Pizzeria, and Hot Dog Therapy; sweet treats and beer and wine garden by West Orange Creamery. Historic Florida section sponsored by Oakland Nature Preserve featuring animal ambassadors and a silent auction benefitting the Preserve. Gatorland’s live alligators, snakes, and exotic reptile encounters.

Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center Westly's 6th Annual 5K kicks off from the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at 9 a.m. and continues to the Healthy West Orange Fresh Start Zone at Speer Park. The Orlando Youth Chamber Ensemble will perform on the Center porch. Soul Haven Ranch will offer historic horse-drawn carriage tours outside the Center. Participate in a History Harvest by bringing historic items relating to Oakland to the Center. The Center’s art and history exhibit will celebrate African American heritage in Oakland. For more information on Oakland Heritage Day, visit oaklandfl.gov/999/Community-Events.