Event to be held at T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve in Venice
Sarasota County’s annual Fire Fest will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, “to educate and inform the community about the importance of prescribed fire to the ecosystem,” county staff has announced.
“Throughout the event at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve,” a news release says, “staff with Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Emergency Services departments, along with partners from AmeriCorps, will demonstrate why the county schedules prescribed burns, the benefits of fire to native habitats and wildlife and how the county manages wildfire.”
The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway in Venice, the release notes. It also will “feature local exhibitors, games for children and light refreshments,” the release adds.
The event schedule follows:
- From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — A campfire circle and s’mores will be available, while hayrides will be offered every 30 minutes.
- 11 a.m. — ASarasota Sheriff’s Office K9 search and rescue demonstration will be held.
- 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.— Live burn demonstrations are planned, conditions permitting.
For more information or to learn about prescribed burns, call 311 or visit scgov.net, the release adds.