Despite stormy skies, the 2025 Dunnellon Springs Festival turned out to be a heartwarming celebration of community spirit, resilience, and our shared love for the Rainbow River. I want to express my deepest thanks to everyone who helped make this ambitious, first-time event a resounding success.

The festival grounds at Ernie Mills Park were buzzing with energy all weekend. Even with the weather challenges, the bands played on to enthusiastic crowds who danced, sang along, and showed what a determined and supportive community looks like. Our food vendors—like Angie B’zz and Goden Jefaz—kept everyone well fed with delicious meals and treats, and local craft beers, ciders, and energy drinks were available at fair prices that kept spirits high.

There was fun for all ages. Families gathered under the shade of more than 60 tents and hundreds of chairs, thoughtfully set up by our tireless volunteers. Kids had a blast getting their faces painted, playing games, building with LEGOs, and learning about our environment in fun, hands-on ways. Festival goers also enjoyed a lively cornhole tournament, browsed a wide variety of artisan offerings, and connected with dozens of vendors showcasing local crafts and services.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers made this festival possible. From staffing the entrance gates and concession stands to setting up tents and helping with clean-up, their commitment and good cheer never wavered. I am especially grateful for their hard work before, during, and after the event—without them, this festival simply wouldn’t have happened.

I also extend heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, both financial and in-kind. Many individuals and businesses contributed their resources, time, and enthusiasm to support the cause. Their belief in our mission—restoring and protecting the Rainbow River from invasive aquatic species like Hydrilla—made this community celebration possible.

At its heart, this festival was about more than music, food, and fun. It was about people coming together to work toward a common goal: saving a river that means so much to our town. The funds raised during the event will directly support hands-on environmental efforts, including invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, and year-round public education programs. Our motto has always been “One Rake at a Time,” because real change happens when individuals pitch in—together we are proving that anything is possible.

To show my appreciation for all who helped, I hosted a thank-you barbecue for about 40 people on July 26^th at my home. At the end of the festival, I purchased two trays of Angie B’zz ribs, so I froze them, then put them on the grill and with side dishes brought by attendees, it was a joyful, informal gathering to celebrate everything we accomplished together. It was my way of saying, humbly but sincerely: thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.

The 2025 Dunnellon Springs Festival was proof that this community is ready and willing to rally for a cause bigger than any one person. Whether you were a vendor, a sponsor, a volunteer, or an attendee—we are grateful for your support and your belief in a healthier, cleaner future for the Rainbow River.

We look forward to many more festivals to come. Until then, we’ll keep doing the work—one rake at a time.

After review, we have decided that we are definitely having another Springs Festival, but the date will be changed to March 21, 2026. Check out onerakeatatime.org for updates.

Sincerely,
Art Jones
President & Founder
One Rake at a Time