“Marion County Day” to be held for county’s 180th anniversary

The reconstructed fort is shown at the Fort King National Historical Landmark on Southeast Fort King Street in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

As Marion County celebrates its 180^th birthday this year, the county is hosting a day full of fun, games and food to honor nearly two centuries of history.

The annual festival will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday at the McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 SE 25^th Ave.

The county commission issued a proclamation to announce the county’s anniversary, with Commissioner Craig Curry telling the story of Marion County’s beginnings on Tuesday.

“The U.S. government acquired Florida in 1821 and in 1825 created an agency to oversee the Seminole population in what would become Marion County, Florida, establishing a military outpost for protection at Fort King,” Curry said.

“We stand on the shoulders of a lot of strong people that were our forefathers,” Curry said.

The event on Saturday will provide bounce houses, a petting zoo, archery and other activities for children and adults alike.

“We have over 150 vendors that are planning to be here as well as all of our first responders throughout our community,” said Human Resources Director Amanda Tart.

Admission is free and will include presentations from local historians with artifacts from Marion County’s history.

“Bring out the family, enjoy some food, some fun and celebrate Marion County Day with us,” Tart said.