Dunedin Orange Festival: What to Know Before You Go

Dunedin celebrates the official fruit of Florida Saturday. 

This year's Dunedin Orange Festival benefits the Dunedin Historical Museum and Chamber of Commerce, runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Don't forget to also visit the Dunedin Green Market at Pioneer Park.)

The fourth annual festival is a bit different from last year, so be sure you know what to expect before you head out the door. Here's a glance at what's happening (according to the official Dunedin Orange Festival website):

1. The Basics

• Cost: Free admission; $10 donation for Mojo Cook-off tasting participants
• When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, July 6
• Where: Edgewater Park, 51 Main St.
• Weather: National Weather Service calls for a 40 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3 p.m. Otherwise, it should be mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values are predicted to be as high as 99, so drink lots of water, wear a hat and use sun block.

2. Music Lineup on the Gazebo Stage

• 11:30 a.m. to noon: Dunedin Scottish Highland dancers with pipe band
• Noon to 2:30: An array of local singers, to include Theresa Rocque, Greg Thorensen, Ken Schell, Kendahl Maxwell and Dave Smith
• 2:30 4 p.m.: Jack & Josie and Friends (folk)
• 4 to 5:30 p.m.: Time Bandits (juke box rock)
• 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: 6 Volt Rodeo (western swing and classic country)
• 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Julie Black Band (soul and blues)

3. Kid-Friendly Stuff

• A traveling display from Honeymoon Island's Centennial Rotary Nature Center (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• A traveling exhibit on Dunedin's citrus history from the Dunedin Historical Society (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 
• A Dunedin Public Library book zone with all kinds of citrus-related materials (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

4. For Adults

• Mojo Cook-Off: Dunedin's local restaurants compete for the best mojo-inspired fare (Not all dishes are using pork or animal products, so all are welcome, just be sure to ask before tasting.) Your vote counts for these competing restaurants: Flanagan's, Kelly's, Sea Sea Riders, Serendipity Cafe, The Living Room, The Dunedin Smokehouse, Marguerite's and Broadway Deli. (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; winners announced at 3 p.m.)
  
• Orange Bonnet Silent Auction: Bid on whimsical and artistic hats created by 50-60 Dunedin merchants (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Orange After Dark (new this year): adult beverages starting at 4 p.m., local food vendors and live music. (4 to 10 p.m.)

5. Parking & Transportation

The Jolley Trolley will be operating a normal route and schedule. Bicycle racks are at the intersection of Pinellas Trail and Main Street, and also in front of Olde Bay Cafe & Dunedin Fish Market. Public parking is available on:

• Douglas Avenue (across from Dunedin Brewery)
• Highland Avenue (behind The Living Room)