‘Keeping the country, country’
Farmland Preservation Festival promotes Marion County’s agricultural heritage and rural beauty.
Tater, one of the Stirrups ‘n Strides horses, smiles at Ava Forrest, 11, as she visitis with him by his stall during the Farmland Preservation Festival at Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center in Orange Lake, Fla. on Saturday, April 11, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
As sure as winter gives way to spring each year, Jerome Feaster will be working diligently to organize the annual Farmland Preservation Festival.
The 18th annual event took place April 11 at the Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center at 4246 W Highway 318, between Orange Lake and Citra, and was sponsored by the nonprofit Save Our Rural Areas group, or SORA, of which Feaster is a longtime member.
“SORA is a 501(c)(3) that is concerned about the future of Marion County’s farmland and its future land uses,” Feaster has said in the past.
Earlier in the week, on April 7, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April as Farmland Preservation Month in Marion County, “honoring the vital role agriculture plays in our economy and community.”
“With nearly 300,000 acres of farms, including about 1,200 horse farms, agriculture drives local jobs and growth. The equine industry alone supports around 28,500 jobs and contributes an estimated $4.3 billion annually,” the agency noted in a social media post.
The festival, which took place under bright blue skies and with pleasingly mild temperatures, featured a number of vendors, live entertainment, a play area for children, farm animals and more.
Feaster offered his thanks post-event via text message to Stirrups ‘n Strides founder Betty Gray and the organization’s staff “for all you did preparing for our festival.”
“Our 18th festival was a success due to teamwork. Lots of people are concerned about saving our rural area and keeping the country, country. And since April is Farmland Preservation Month, our festival is a celebration,” Feaster wrote.
“Stirrups ‘n Strides so enjoyed hosting the festival again this year. The turn-out was exceptional and we had some great vendors. Everyone seemed to have a great time, and the weather couldn’t have been any better,” Gray shared via a text message.
“What a great way for people to learn about the importance of keeping our farmland safe. Looking forward to next year,” she added.
To learn more about the event, go to farmlandfestival.org
For information about Stirrups ‘n Strides, go to stirrupsnstrides.com
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