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Winter Garden Heritage and Music Festival

Celebrating City’s 120th Anniversary

Established in 1903, the City of Winter Garden commemorates its heritage with a free 120th anniversary extravaganza for the community on Saturday, February 11, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm. The Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival in historic downtown will include 30+ entertainment acts across six stages, strolling performers, a kids' zone area, history walking tours, heritage activities, and more! The event is fun for all ages.

For entertainment and event schedule, click here.

LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT AND A KIDS’ ZONE

Simultaneous and continuous performances will be held at various outdoor stages throughout downtown stretching from Central Avenue to Dillard Street. The entertainment kicks off at 11:00 am and continues nonstop through 10:00 pm. 

A few of the many high caliber performances include Selwyn Birchwood, L & G Live Duo, Flight Scene, Big Ron Betts, and Michael Andrew & Swingerhead.

As part of the Festival, the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden (125 E. Plant Street) is celebrating its 135th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of its Old Sanctuary building with a host of “Back to the Future” activities and entertainment. Guests will enjoy the nostalgic stage show with Doc, Marty McFly, and a DeLorean, as well as live music and special guest Blippi, a popular children’s entertainer and educator. Visit the large kids’ zone area and hop on board the children’s train. In addition, fifteen 1920 vintage cars will be on display and there will be tours of the Old Sanctuary as well as historical displays. Hot dogs, popcorn, cakes, and pretzels will be available at roll back prices.

HISTORY WALKING TOURS, SPECIAL HISTORICAL EXHIBITIONS & PRESENTATIONS 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a great way to learn about the history of downtown is by taking a walking tour. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will host guided Walking Tours at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm.

The Winter Garden Heritage Museum and its Heller Hall, the SOBO Art Gallery, and City Hall’s Art in Public Places Gallery will all host special historical exhibitions.

The Central Florida Railroad Museum, bursting with amazing historical railroad artifacts and memorabilia, will host a special presentation on the history of local railroads at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.  

Come celebrate your hometown’s momentous 120th anniversary brought to you by the City of Winter Garden, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, and other generous partners. 

Saturday, February 11 | 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Historic Downtown | Free

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Farmers

Market on February 11

Fun, sweets, flowers, gifts, and free kids' craft making – everything you need to celebrate Valentine’s Day can be found at the Winter Garden Farmers Market on Saturday, February 11. 

Complimentary special holiday craft making for children will take place at the KidZone tent at the Parking Garage Plaza, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. The wide selection of vendors are perfect for shopping for something special for that someone special. Jewelry, scented soaps, flowers, desserts, and more can all be found at the market. In celebration of the Winter Garden Heritage Festival taking place at the same time, the first 120 market goers that visit the Information Tent at the entrance of the Pavilion will receive a complimentary commemorative City of Winter Garden 120th Anniversary tote bag. 

Saturday, February 11, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kids’ Valentine Craft Making | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

Spring Break Camps

It is never too early to plan ahead with school spring break quickly approaching. There are some fun local options to keep them engaged. Space fills quickly so advance planning is beneficial.

Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Spring Break Camp

The Spring Break Camp, hosted by the Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Department, is a fun way for your school-aged children to spend their time off from school. Campers will enjoy various activities, sports, arts and crafts, and more alongside their friends. A qualified, well-trained staff will provide a safe and outstanding break for your child. Camp is open to all children in Kindergarten through 8^th grade. Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to camp every day. 

Camp dates: March 10, 13 - 17
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Camp is open to children Kindergarten through 8^th grade
$22 City Resident / $27 Nonresident, per day
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street
Click here to register. Questions, call 407.656.4155.

SOBO Art Camp

SOBO Art Gallery & Studio will host an art camp during spring break. Led by Lenore Eastham, Certified Art Educator, the camp session will  provide a wide variety of art experiences. Click here to register.

March 13 – 17 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages | 2^nd Grade – 6^th Grade
Fee |$150, per Week / $35, per Individual Day

Free Basic Self Defense Class for Women

The Winter Garden Police Department is hosting a free basic self-defense class for women ages 13 and older on Thursday, February 2. A police officer who is certified using S.A.F.E. self-defense techniques will instruct the class. Make it a “ladies night” and learn some self-defense!

February 2 | 6:00 - 8:30 pm | Free 
Winter Garden Police Department Training Room, 251 W. Plant Street
Women only ages 13 and up

To register, contact Officer Michaud at 407-656-3636 ext. 4405 or at gmichaud@wgpd.com.

Citizens Police Academy Accepting

Applications

Curious about what goes on inside your police department? Get your questions answered at the next Citizens Police Academy to be held March 1 – April 26.

Winter Garden police officers and staff present this free, nine-week course. The class meets on Wednesday evenings to discuss such topics as crime prevention, investigations, and police procedures. Class participants will also be eligible to go on a ride along with an officer!

Academy Class Dates | March 1 to April 26 (May 3, make-up date)
Wednesdays Only | 6:00 – 9:00 pm | Free
Winter Garden Police Department Training Room, 251 W. Plant Street

Eligibility requirements:

• at least 18 years old
• live or work in City of Winter Garden
• no criminal record

Click here for an application or visit the Winter Garden Police Department. Seats fill fast so turn in your application quickly!

Questions, contact Officer Gail Michaud or Officer Luis Velasquez at 407.656.3636 ext. 4416.

City Hall Exhibit is a Tribute to Local 

African American Artists

Visit the City Hall Art in Public Places Gallery this month to see the exhibition that explores a small portion of the continuous American struggle, which is an African American struggle.

The exhibition showcases artwork by local artists of different artistic disciplines, unified under one brushstroke that shares one common denominator — Black excellence. Patrick Noze, Crealdé School of Art Senior Curator of Exhibitions, curated the exhibit.

Reflection of Time: Tribute to Local African American Artists

Now – February 28
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall 
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (Feb. 11, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm)
300 W. Plant Street | Free

WINTER FUN with
PARKS & RECREATION!

Click here for a list of Parks & Recreation programs, classes, sports leagues, as well as additional details about offerings below. Questions, call 407.656.4155.

Programs are held at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street, unless noted otherwise. Click here to register.

Middle School Running And Conditioning Program

Participants will receive training that develops speed, stamina, and an understanding for fast-twitch/ slow-twitch muscle fibers. The four-week program will conclude with an in-class versatility contest that will test their abilities in the 100-meter and a 1-mile race.

11 – 14 years old 
Tuesdays| February 28 – March 28 (no programming the week of March 13)
6:00 – 6:50 pm
$100 City Resident / $120 Nonresident

Boot Camp With Brad

Looking for cardio and strength training exercises that utilize both weights and body weight? Join this bi-weekly boot camp to learn how to develop a more physically healthy body and the mental well-being that comes with exercise.

Mondays & Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
16 years and older
$16 City Resident / $18 Nonresident, per class
$55 City Resident / $65 Nonresident, per month (8 classes

Cardio Drumming

This Cardio Drumming beginner’s class is a cardiovascular-based full-body workout that requires you to move and play drums along to music. Except it does not actually involve any drums! It will raise your heart rate and help you burn hundreds of calories, improve your coordination and ability to focus, and help strengthen many muscle groups, including your core. Must register, as space is limited.

Mondays | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm or 6:00 – 7:00 pm
$12 City Resident / $15 Nonresident, per 4-week session
(Rate may increase or decrease for months with 5 or 3 weeks.)

Power Yoga Flow

Utilizing flexibility as a means to focus on linking poses together with continuous movement, Power Yoga Flow will bring awareness to one's body and breath, all while increasing cardiovascular health and muscular strength.

Thursdays | 6:30 – 7:20 pm
Monthly | $30 City Resident / $34 Nonresident
Single Day | $12 City Resident / $14 Nonresident

Xtreme Hip Hop With Tarcia

This is a revamp of traditional step aerobics and includes routines set to hip-hop and R&B that will give you a great caloric burn. Please note, steps are not provided.

Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6:00 – 7:00 pm
$10 City Resident / $12 Nonresident, per class

Railroad Museum Hosts Special Presentations

for Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival

In conjunction with the Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival, the Central Florida Railroad Museum will present Railroads of Winter Garden. The presentation will provide highlights of the history of the railroads that served Winter Garden.

In addition, the museum will have extended operating hours (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) for festivalgoers to pop in to see the amazing historical artifacts and memorabilia. For more information, visit cfrhs.org/events.

Saturday, February 11
Railroads of Winter Garden Presentation | 1:00 & 2:00 pm
Extended Museum Hours | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Central Florida Railroad Museum | 101 S. Boyd Street
407.656.0559 | cfrhs.org | Free Admission

Lakeview and Drew High Schools: 

A History Exhibit at the Heritage Museum

With artifacts and photographs dating back almost a century, the exhibit features the history of Lakeview and Drew High Schools. Established in 1927, Lakeview High School did not admit African American students until 1969 when desegregation changed the educational system in Orange County. Charles R. Drew High School rose on Winter Garden’s east side in the 1950s, ensuring that black students received an education without having to travel to Orlando.

Be sure to stop in while attending the Winter Garden Heritage & Music Festival on Saturday, February 11, to see this exhibit that highlights the history of both schools from their inception to the day when all students in Winter Garden could attend classes together

Now - February 28 
Winter Garden Heritage Museum |  Free Admission
Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (Feb. 11, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm)
1 North Main Street | wghf.org | 407.656.3244 

Utility Bill Assistance Available
for Low Income Seniors

The City of Winter Garden offers a Utility Bill Assistance Program for Low Income Seniors. Qualified candidates can receive a reduction of up to $35 on their monthly utility bill.

Program Qualifications:

• must be 65 years of age, or 62 years of age and receiving Social Security benefits
• a CITY resident continuously for past 5 years
• monthly household income not to exceed $1,566.80 (Single) or $2,190.43 (Married)

Documents needed with application:

• copies of current identification
• 2023 Social Security Benefit Statement OR 2022 Federal Income Tax Return
• ALL other proof of income for entire household

Applications are available at Winter Garden City Hall Reception Desk, 300 W. Plant Street, or by contacting the City Clerk’s office, 407.656.4111 ext. 6327.

APPLICATION and PROOF OF INCOME DEADLINE is MAY 1, 2023.

Battery Disposal Helpful Tips
for National Battery Day

Batteries are a useful energy source, but how to dispose of the various types of batteries is often puzzling. In observance of National Battery Day on February 18, take the time this month to properly dispose of your batteries by using the following helpful guidelines.

Non-Recyclable Batteries  
            

Alkaline Batteries, sometimes called “flashlight batteries,” are usually single use batteries in 9 volt, C, D, AA and AAA. Mercury was eliminated in alkaline batteries in the 1990s. Under state law, these batteries can now be disposed of in the trash.

Lithium Batteries (non-rechargeable) - Battery label should distinguish between Lithium and Lithium Ion. Completely discharge the battery and securely tape the ends of each battery before disposing in the trash. Put multiple batteries in a plastic bag before placing in the trash.

Recyclable Batteries (But NOT in the recycling cart)

Recyclable batteries should never be placed inside your recycling cart or trashcan. These batteries can cause fires in waste trucks and at the recycling facility or landfill.

These batteries should be taken to a retailer or a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection location.  Many stores that sell batteries, phones, or electronics will take used batteries back for recycling. Visit call2recycle.org to find a retailer near you. Orange County provides free drop-off Household Hazardous Waste collection sites. Visit ocfl.net/HHW for list of locations. 

Mark your calendar for a Free Orange County Household Waste & Electronic Waste Collection Event on Saturday, March 11, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm at Orange County Services Center, 475 Story Road, Ocoee.

Lithium Ion Batteries (rechargeable) Uses: laptops, other small electronics

Small Sealed Lead Acid Batteries (rechargeable) Uses: smaller equipment and backup power supplies

Wet Cell Lead Acid Batteries – Uses: autos, boats, trucks. Retailers are required to take back for recycling as trade-ins for new batteries.

Portable Power Tool Batteries – Uses: any brand of portable, cordless power tool

Old-Style Cell Phone Batteries – Cell phones should also be recycled.

Button Batteries – Uses: hearing aids, watches, calculators

Nickel-Cadmium Batteries – Uses: portable electronics and toys

Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries – Uses: consumer electronics

Battery Pack – These batteries are packaged together with one single connector. Uses: phones, small equipment

For more information, call 407-656-4111 ext. 5193.

City Government Serving You

The district boundaries have been redrawn following the results of the 2020 U.S. Census. The new district boundaries became effective on December 14, 2022. Click on district links below to view new maps and to find your respective commissioner. 

MAYOR/COMMISSIONER

COMMISSIONERS

CITY MANAGER

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www.cwgdn.com
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