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A complete guide to Tallahassee's bicentennial celebrations this weekend

By Martha Gruender | Talllahassee Democrat


The waiting is over. The big bicentennial bash is this weekend. Here's a schedule of what's happening when and where.


Oh, yeah, happy 200th birthday to us! And welcome home, T-Pain!


Events require registration. Visit Bicentennial Festival Weekend Spectacular for tickets at Eventbrite.



Bicentennial events on Saturday, Nov. 9

Head for Parkview at Cascades for a full day of commemorating and celebrating the community’s rich history and culture. There will be presentations, delicious food, live music, entertainers of all ages, and a heritage walk at the park.


This is an opportunity to learn about the important contributions that shape Tallahassee's shared history. It will be a day of networking and coming together as a community to enjoy the first day of bicentennial festivities.


Registration and Check-in: 8-9 a.m.


Opening General Session: 9-9:30 a.m.


200 Years of Civil Rights Champions: 9:30-10:15 a.m. The Florida State University’s Civil Rights Institute will lead a presentation of a travel exhibit reflecting on the struggles, triumphs, and progress made during the last two centuries, recognizing 40 individuals of different backgrounds, who have made significant contributions to the civil rights movement in Tallahassee-Leon County and across the state.


Tracing Your Ancestral Roots: 10:25-11:10 a.m. Genealogical experts from the Tallahassee Genealogical Society, the African American Genealogical Society, and the Tallahassee-Leon County Geographic Information Systems Department will host a panel discussion to provide strategies for preserving and perpetuating ancestral records and tracing family histories using enhanced research opportunities.


Exploring Native American Legacies: 11:20 a.m.-12:05 p.m. An Apalachee Native American Chief and a Muscogee Nation of Florida representative will discuss the rich tapestry of indigenous Native American roots, while offering insight into the historic significance of the lineages.


Luncheon Presentation: Celebrating 200 Years of Hispanic Heritage in Leon County: 12:15-1:15 p.m. A Latin-themed luncheon hosted by Conexion Media Group, will kick off the celebration of 200 years of Hispanic heritage. Enjoy cultural connections as a distinguished speaker offers insight into the strong influence and contributions provided in shaping our shared history.


The Role of Faith in Shaping the Bicentennial: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Enjoy a conversation with representatives of Tallahassee-Leon County’s earliest religious congregations, as they discuss the significance of their role in the community, and how they are celebrating the Bicentennial.


Adventures in Florida Musical Play: 2:40-2:50 p.m. Be entertained by the Adventures in Florida Musical Play that captivates audiences and brings Bicentennial lessons to life.


Heritage Walk at Cascades Park: 3-4 p.m. Round up the day with a symbolic journey through history with a Heritage Walk of Cascades Park.


Attendance is free. Registration is REQUIRED. Visit Bicentennial Festival Weekend Spectacular at Eventbrite.


Sunday bicentennial events

On Sunday, Nov. 10, the Tallahassee Bicentennial Festival celebration begins at 1 p.m. at Cascades Park, with a walk-through living history, exploring interactive exhibits that bring Tallahassee’s past to life.


Visit different time periods hosted by local museums and organizations with each site featuring kid-friendly activities and displays. Enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks and local artisans throughout the day and cool down with an ice cream social in the afternoon.


Play your own role in Tallahassee history by attending the unveiling of a historical marker in Cascades Park to commemorate the bicentennial. Join legislative leaders and the mayors from St. Augustine and Pensacola for the dedication of the First Florida Capitol reproduction.


1 p.m. - Theatre With a Mission: “Keep Call in Congress”

1:25 p.m. - Theatre With a Mission: “Charlie’s History Lesson”

1:55 p.m. - Theatre With a Mission: “Land Sale in Tallahassee: Lot 10”

2:15 p.m. - Theatre With a Mission: “Land Sale in Tallahassee: Lot 11”

2:25 p.m. - “Traditional Folk Dance by Hot Pepper Steppers

2:35 p.m. - Theatre With a Mission: “Send Joseph White to Washington”

2:55 p.m. - Theatre With a Mission: “Land Sale in Tallahassee: Lot 12”

3:05 p.m. - “Traditional Folk Dance by Hot Pepper Steppers”

3:25 p.m. - Theatre With a Mission: “Spring Planting, 1824”

3:45 p.m. - Theatre With a Mission: “The Great Election Fight of 1824”

4 p.m. - First Florida Capitol Dedication Ceremony

5:30 p.m. - Festival concludes


Ice Cream Social throughout the Festival


T-Pain concert

To cap it all off, Tallahassee’s very own T-Pain will close out the festival with a sold-out concert at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park.


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