Mark your calendars for The Tropical Ag Fiesta 2006 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11 at the beautiful Fruit & Spice Park in Homestead. This event is sponsored by Southern Florida Tropical Growers, Inc. (d.b.a. Tropical Ag Fiesta) and The Fruit & Spice Park.

Reminiscent of old South Florida, the Fruit & Spice Park, provides visitors with an escape from the city in a beautiful and expansive garden of over 500 varieties of tropical fruit, herbs and vegetables. Established over 75 years ago, as a mango festival, the Tropical Ag Fiesta now includes flowering trees, plants and palms, educational talks by tropical fruit and other plant experts, a comprehensive tropical plant sale, gardening tips, and down to earth children's activities.

Cooks looking for tips about tropical fruit dishes can visit the cooking demonstration tent to watch some of South Florida's top chefs prepare their favorite tropical fruit recipes, and sample their flavorful creations. 

After a day of snacking and choosing plants, revelers can stop by the Schnebly Redland's Winery booth or purchase fruits and vegetables from The Tomato Lady or the Tropical Fruit Growers of South Florida.

Children can partake in old-fashioned Florida farm activities, including a watermelon eating contest, a petting zoo and a jackfruit piñata. Those wanting to learn more about tropical fruits can visit tropical fruit displays prepared by local experts. With food booths, on going grafting demonstrations, plant talks and park tours, the Tropical Ag Fiesta is sure to offer a relaxing, old-fashioned Florida fun day for children of all ages.

Established in the 1930's, the Florida Mango Forum began to interest visitors to South Florida in the strange tropical fruit known as the mango. In 1981, Tropical Ag Fiesta was formed to showcase all agricultural commodities harvested in summer's peak season. The Fiesta hopes to draw individuals and families to a weekend surrounded by the undisturbed beauty of South Florida's tropical paradise.

The Tropical Ag Fiesta will be held Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fruit & Spice Park located at 24801 S.W. 187th Avenue, in Homestead, Florida. For directions, call the Fruit & Spice Park at (305) 247-5727. Admission is free for children 12 and under; $6 for adults. Click on the “discount coupon” link for $1.00 off admission. Ample free parking is available. 

Call (305) 755-7848 (V/TDD) to request materials in accessible format, a sign language interpreter (5 days notice required) and for information on access for persons with disabilities.