Ocali is a historic name for the native Timucuan people who lived in what is now western Marion County. The word was later adapted to become Ocala. Visitors to the Ocali Country Days festival from Nov. 8-10 were treated to numerous displays of pioneer life, including the stoking of the wood-fired kiln on the campus of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center. The event also offered entertainment, food trucks, visits to the museum and tram tours of Silver Springs State Park.
“Over the years the Ocali Country Days festival has become a local favorite and an important fundraiser for the Silver River Museum educational programs. Originally called Pioneer Days, 2024 marks the 30th year the event has been held. The event takes place each fall on the museum grounds and highlights Florida folk life and the pioneer history of Marion County,” said Scott Mitchell, a coordinator with Marion County Schools who works at the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center.
“Visitors have the opportunity to learn about old time skills such as sugar cane syrup making, weaving and spinning, blacksmithing, bowl carving, hide making and cooking over an open hearth to name a few,” he shared. “A generous grant from the Marion Cultural Alliance, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, helped bring great bands to the festival this year.”
