Crystal River is known for its manatees, thus our hostess and our theme.

Many activities are planned for your enjoyment. Opening event on Friday will be an outing to The Shoppes of Heritage Village where we will be greeted by several shops and restaurants offering a quaint, small town welcome complete with “Stitchers Only” specials. Saturday stitching will include a delicious lunch and Barbeque dinner. There are several “make-it-and-take-its” planned throughout the weekend as well as our fundraiser, “Manatee Downs.” Yes, you can “ride” a manatee to fortune and fame in this fun, land based race. And, betting on the winner just may improve your fortune too!

You may choose to swim with a manatee in the river or take a boat tour as well. Options are being made to meet these gentle creatures.

A stitching challenge is also planned. Using the coloring book from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, use any picture in this book and make something wild and amazing to display this weekend. There will be fantastic prizes for most unique, funniest, and maybe a few more you will be happy to take home.

Sunday is more stitching and maybe a surprise or six!