The Blue Whale and Other Travel Tales: PIONEER DAYS at PIONEER PARK

2012 Pioneer Park Days—Zolfo Springs

One day admission: Adults $2.00

Five day admission: Adults $5.00

Children under 12 free

Also a fee for parking

http://www.hardeecounty.net
http://www.floridaflywheelers.org/
http://www.floridafrontiersmen.org/
http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/

Animal photos are taken by Hardee County staff and employees

For Bicky-Bick

We made our annual trip to Zolfo Springs for a six day event. Well, the event is actually five days, but we have to be there a day early to set up. This is the only event in which we have participated for every year of our entire seventeen year kettle korn career. When we lived in South Florida--before we started kettle korn--we went to this great happening almost ever year as spectators.

We actually made the decision to do kettle korn at Pioneer Park after we had seen the Mann Original Kettle Korn for the second weekend in a row. The week before we had gone to Key West’s Fort Zachary Taylor for a Union garrison Civil War reenactment where we met Gary and his wonderful machine. The Mann family had been in this business for several years and had started a quasi-franchise by building units for sale to others (like us). We saw him at one more event in close proximity. Our cash flow was a bit tight. It seemed as though God was leading me to Gary. After much thought, contemplation, and prayer, we talked to the Manns, decided to take out some IRA money (with IRS penalty), and have the unit built. It was going to take about two months.

We actually met our unit in Bellview, Illinois where the elder Manns were doing a strawberry festival at the end of May, 1995. We went there to learn the hows and wherefores of operation. And we have never looked back or regretted buying our kettle korn business. Well, that’s not totally true as we have had a few, “Why did we do this?” moments.” But, they were early on and quite rare. Like many businesses, we had some struggle in those early years. But, we knew at about the five year mark that we were in this for the long haul.

Back to the event:

Hardee County owns Pioneer Park. It is a camp ground with a wonderful little animal sanctuary and a cracker museum village which includes a working black smith shop and a cracker style house There used to be beautiful Florida long leaf pines that filled the park and provided shade for the campground. But hurricane Charley in 2004 took them out. Hardee County then planted small live oaks to replace the pines. This is the first year that they look like they will be providing shade in the future. They are growing nicely. We have one on our “spot.”

The event is usually held during the week that includes the first full weekend of March. This year it started on February 29.

It is an event that has changed little over its thirty some odd years. It has gotten smaller and some new groups and exhibits have been added. But, it is a bit of a mish-most of happenngs. Its primary draw is a tractor and one lung engine show. It also has a car show during the weekend. The food court is made up of local not for profits (mostly churches). And, then there’s the flea market which has shown the biggest change over the years. Early on, there were lots of parts and engines for sale with a sprinkling of glassware, antiques and collectibles. It has now become more true flea market with fewer parts for sale and lots of treasures and junk.

Daily, there is a tractor parade which goes right by our tent. Wednesday had about eight tractors and other various unusual modes of transportation. By Saturday’s parade, there were well over forty. Our friend George-- who always hawks our kettle korn as he goes by whether walking or motoring…”Best Kettle Korn in the Park!”—bought a new toy which was part of the parade--a Massey-Harris Pony.

A friend of Steve’s—John—also bought a new toy which was also in the various parades. His toy is a 1922 Olds once owned by President Teddy Roosevelt’s eldest son Theodore, Jr. who was the recipient of the Congressional Medal. He fought in both World War I and II in the Army, ending his military career as a Brigadier General. After the Great War in 1919 (World War I), he was instrumental in the forming of the American Legion. Junior served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Governor of Puerto Rico, Governor General of the Philippines. His business endeavors included Chairman of the Board of American Express and Vice President of Doubleday Books. Jr. is buried at Normandy American cemetery. Our friend, John gave us a ride in this beautiful machine…luxury at its best for the time period.

Tractors of all sorts of all sorts, shapes, conditions and sizes. Pristine/rusty. Large/lawn tractors. Green/Grey/Red/Maize/Blue. One- lung engines (flywheels) of all makes and sizes. Sometimes very weird transportation. Wonderful collections of everything from oil cans to ice cream freezers. Florida Frontiersmen. A Confederate War Between the States Unit. Rides for the kids. Musical Entertainment. A great bargain, methinks, for the price.

I'm helping Mommy by pushing l'il sister!

Much of the food for sale is provided by local not for profits (churches, etc.). A great plethora of Mexican food. Hot dogs. Hamburgers. Ice Cream and Ice Cream Sundaes. Cuban sandwiches. BBQ. Pulled Pork Platters. A great array.

We are always next to the Sweetbay semi (formerly Kash & Karry). The local store is there to provide the various food vendors with supplies as they need them through the weekend. We usually buy about one hundred pounds of sugar from them and often a canister or two of salt. They also have a supply of ice for anyone who needs it, but the folks have to get to the truck within the working hours (which is usually 7 am-ish to about 3:30 pm-ish. Prices are generally reasonable and the products are delivered right to the place of business at the Park. We have been next to them so long that we have watched Paul’s daughter (he’s been the local manager for most of our years there) grow from a little girl to a young lady. Mangers from several of the near-by Sweetbay stores come in for a day to help out. This is, in my opinion, a great community service. Food vendors never have to worry about running out a bit of this or a lot of that. They give their order to the managers who are working. If it not on the truck (soda, ice, basics), someone makes a run to the store to retrieve the products two or three times a day (as needed). Again, this is a convenient super service that they offer.

There are few places “on campus” that stay open for an evening meal. There are several places other than fast food or ethnic (Mexican or Oriental)—all locally owned and operated. There does not seem to be any chains of restaurants (other than the above mentioned—Mickey D’s, Wendy’s, Sonic) such as Olive Garden in Hardee County about which I know. One of the most convenient places is Pioneer Restaurant which is immediately across the road from the Park…an easy walk. We eat many breakfasts and not quite so many evening meals. It is a quaint little place. One needs to leave the restaurant proper and go outside and around the building to find the rest rooms (they are part of the building and not port-a-lets). The food is decent, service fast (even with large crowds) and very cost effective. It is a favorite for many locals for all three meals. One large table in a corner has a sign which indicates that is it “the B___ S___ table.” The same guys are there every morning (I think for several hours…one leaves, another joins them). One room is decorated with NASCAR memorabilia. Not meant to be. It is a “good ol’ boy” hangout, for sure. If you pass through Zolfo Springs, stop and see for yourself. Lots of character.

Blue Heron's Home

Pioneer Park at times other than Pioneer Days is a county campground. Some sites are near a small lake; some near the Peace River; some have water and electricity; other sites are more primitive. Lots of bathrooms and shower stalls.

There is also a large animal rescue and sanctuary on site. All animals there have been rescued and were injured beyond rehabilitation to return to the wild. We have never yet been able to get to the “zoo” since they relocated it from a bunch of cages to an area that is designed to mirror natural habitats. One of these years, we will get there.

We did very well this year. Hired an old friend named Jay to help us on Saturday. The event was cancelled on Sunday due to heavy winds. But, we will be back next year.

We find that the tractors, engines and transportation have lots of character. But, not nearly as much as the characters that drive some of the vehicles.