Homosassa Civic Club Hosted the First Festival on May 3, 1975

In 1975, local artist Eppie Boatwright was president of the Homosassa Civic Club. She suggested that a Spring Fling Art Show be held as an annual fundraiser to raise money in support various community projects. In typical club fashion, volunteers embraced the plan and worked hard to make it happen.

The first event was held on May 3, 1975 on the green next to the Homosassa Springs attraction at U.S. 19. It was a great success with 102 entries from artists in Georgia, Alabama and as far away as California. Entertainment featured young singers from throughout Citrus County and dancers from a local dance academy.

An original oil painting “Ship Under Sail” was donated by artist Happy Kwoka for a drawing. The custom of creating a signature festival piece of art continues today. A drawing is still held for the original art . It also becomes the signature design for commemorative shirts. People at the event often wear shirts from previous years and compare designs.

In 1987, the festival was moved to the grounds of the Civic Club on Mason Creek Road.

In 1988, the local chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida became the event’s co-sponsor. The guides added food to the event, selling a seafood dinner (consisting of mullet, shrimp, coleslaw, beans and hushpuppies) and an all-you-can-eat Blue Crab Special to hungry visitors. The addition of seafood and move to the Civic Club heralded the name change to the “Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival”.

In 1989, Kevin Jenkins, a local artist and Spring Fling prize winner, was elected as chairman of the festival. His intimate knowledge of the art show workings inspired changes that consistently have made it an outstanding professional festival. It is to the credit of Kevin and the volunteer spirit of the Homosassa Civic Club members that the festival continues to attract approximately 20,000 visitors each year.