This year, visit with pirates during the 100th anniversary Gasparilla Pirate Fest in Tampa and enjoy a concert of timeless chamber music by world-renowned artists on Amelia Island. Packed with festivals, fairs and parades, 2004 promises to be another exciting year in Florida. Following is a sampling of major events throughout the state. Please visit www.FLAUSA.com for more information and a complete list of Florida events.

January Edison Festival of Light January 31 � February 22, 2004 Fort Myers

This extended celebration includes fireworks shows, parades, craft shows and a 5K run. The two-hour extravaganza of the SunTrust Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade begins in downtown Fort Myers on Edwards Drive and concludes at the Edison Stadium of Fort Myers High School. The Grand Parade is the largest night parade in Florida and one of the largest in the country, featuring more than 140 participating units, including magnificent lighted floats, bands, special marching units and more. Food and drink are sold along the parade route. Admission is free to spectators. Phone: (239) 334-2999 Web site: www.edisonfestival.org

February Southwest Airlines Gasparilla Pirate Fest February 7, 2004 Tampa

For 100 years, pirates have invaded Tampa Bay in celebration of the spirit of adventure and antics of legendary pirate Jose Gaspar and his merry mates. The Southwest Airlines Gasparilla Pirate Fest blasts off at 11:30 a.m. as 1,000 rowdy pirates sail into downtown Tampa - with cannons booming and flags flying - on a fully rigged pirate ship flanked by hundreds of pleasure crafts. The pirates then invade the city displaying their treasures in a colorful parade. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest activities include the invasion and parade, plus Pirate�s Chest Arts & Crafts show, the Gasparilla Midway, Gasparilla "Piratechnic" Extravaganza and local and national entertainment acts performing live on stages throughout downtown. Admission is free to the public. Reserved parade seats are available for $20 per person. Tickets are $38-$48 for the buffet brunch at the Convention Center. Phone: (813) 353-8108 Web site: www.gasparillapiratefest.com

March Florida Strawberry Festival February 26 � March 7, 2004 Plant City

More than 65 years old, the Florida Strawberry Festival celebrates the bountiful harvest of the strawberry that has made Plant City, Florida, the �Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.� The eleven-day festival, which is famous for its strawberry shortcake and tasty fair food, features daily entertainment by some of country music�s biggest headlining acts and exhibits focusing on agriculture, commerce, education, industry, fine arts, horticulture, crafts and livestock. Other highlights include the 60-ride Midway and competitions ranging from cook-offs and strawberry shortcake eating contests to clogging and diaper decorating. Admission is $8; children 10 and under are admitted free. Phone: (813) 752-9194 Web site: www.flstrawberryfestival.com

April Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In April 13-19, 2004 Lakeland

The City of Lakeland and the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport have hosted the Sun �n Fun EAA Fly-In for more than 30 years. The Fly-in is the second largest event of its kind in the country and the largest gated event in Florida. More than 450 workshops and forums are available for guests. Sun �n Fun EAA Fly-In visitors can enjoy the static display aircraft, over 500 commercial exhibits, Ladies Pavilion, Parts Exchange and a daily air show. Guests can also tour year-round venues, which include the Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n Fun and Gifts of Flight. Phone: (863) 644-2431 Web site: www.sun-n-fun.org

May 52nd Florida Folk Festival May 28-30, 2004 White Springs

Each year in May for half a century, the 850-acre Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in the little hamlet of White Springs on the Suwannee River has rung with the sounds and sights of three full days and nights of Florida's finest music, dance and stories. Produced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida State Parks, the annual Florida Folk Festival presents the "roots" of Florida's many cultures as performers gather from little towns and large cities throughout the Sunshine State. For advanced tickets call (877) 635-3655. Phone: (386) 397-2733 Web site: www.floridafolkfestival.com

June Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival May 30 � June 20, 2004 Fernandina Beach

This annual celebration of timeless chamber music attracts world-renowned artists to the once sleepy seafaring village of Fernandina Beach on Florida's northernmost barrier isle, Amelia Island. The festival will open with a community concert in Central Park and an evening concert featuring classical guitarist Pepe Romero. The 2004 roster of music luminaries includes: returning favorites Lynn Harrell, Valentina Lisitsa, Robert McDuffie, Guarneri String Quartet, Christopher Rex and others will be joined by the Tokyo String Quartet, Ruth Laredo, William Burton, Rachel Barton, Gary Grafman, the Eroica Trio and the Three Concert Masters. Phone: (904) 261-1779 Web site: www.ameliaislandchambermusic.org

July Red, White and Blues Week July 4-10, 2004 Pensacola Beach

The largest of the Pensacola area�s summer events, this week begins with a Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display. Beachgoers can enjoy live music on the boardwalk each day and some nights. The week concludes with an air show by the world-famous Blue Angels on July 9-10. Various other planes participate in the show which can be viewed from Pensacola�s beautiful beaches. Other activities include a ladies� luncheon with the pilots� wives and a reception. Phone: (800) 635-4803 Web site: www.visitpensacola.com

August 14th Annual Caladium Festival August 27-29, 2004 Lake Placid

Thousands of visitors attend the Caladium Festival each year in Lake Placid, the caladium capital of the world. Activities include air-conditioned bus tours to the colorful caladium fields, caladium bulbs & plants for sale, antique & classic car show, Caladium Festival Art Competition, caladium history, arts & crafts booths, entertainment and food. Viewing the caladium fields is worth the trip to Lake Placid. The patchwork of color of over 40 varieties of red, white, and pink, and all combinations of the colors is truly a handiwork of art. Visitors to this popular 3-day event also enjoy viewing our award winning murals, and boating, swimming & fishing in our 27 pristine freshwater lakes. Phone: (863) 465-4331 Web site: www.lpfla.com/events/caladium.htm

September Antique Fair September 18-19, 2004 Mount Dora

The Antique Fair is one of the best antique shows in Florida with more than 400 antiques and collectibles dealers. Outside dealers open at 7:30 a.m. and inside dealers at 9 a.m. Arrive early to get the best deals and the best parking. Admission is free. Phone: (800) 522-3555 Web site: www.renningersflorida.com/fairs/fairs.htm

October Florida Forest Festival October 23, 2004 Perry

See the forest in North Central Florida from a local�s point of view with events such as cross cut saw and chain saw competitions. Visitors can also see the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show. There is also musical entertainment all day as well as a rock climbing wall for anyone to try. Forestry exhibits, crafts, entertainment, parade, antique car show and world�s largest free fish fry are just a few of the many events offered throughout the festival. Admission is free. Phone: (850) 584-8733 Web site: www.taylorcountychamber.com

November Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival Titusville, FL November 17-21, 2004

Attendees have the opportunity to explore the globally significant natural areas of Florida�s Space Coast, home of the largest collection of endangered wildlife and plants in the continental United States. The Festival features unique birding, wildlife, nature and technology tours, boat and kayaking tours, field trips, seminars, evening keynote presentations, and workshops led by nationally recognized naturalists and scientists. Phone: (321) 268-5224 Website: www.nbbd.com/fly

December Cingular Wireless Winterfest Boat Parade presented by Nokia December 18, 2004 Fort Lauderdale

Winterfest features a variety of events, most of which are scheduled during the month of December, and it is best known for its one-of-a-kind Boat Parade, set for December 18, 2004. The scope of the festival has expanded to include the dazzling Winterfest Black Tie Ball, the Intracoastal Decorating Extravaganza and the exciting Grand Marshal Reception. The festival culminates with the fabulous Winterfest Boat Parade. Winterfest is a multi-cultural event that encourages and promotes diversity and is proud to have representation from a variety of races and religions. Phone: (954) 767-0686 Web site: www.winterfestparade.com

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Media Contact Information: Leon Corbett, Senior Public Relations Representative (850) 488-5607, ext. 360 or lcorbett@visitflorida.org