As early as 1840, Bagdad was a thriving port, producing and shipping more yellow pine lumber than any port in the world. By 1900, Bagdad Village had become one of the most industrialized areas in the State of Florida. Life in Bagdad centered around the saw mill and logging industries pioneered by Joseph Forsyth and partners. The daily thumps, clanks, and whine of the mills continued for over 111 years until the Depression and depletion of natural resources silenced them forever in 1939. The Village of Bagdad is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Join the Bagdad Village Preservation Association on Saturday, May 30, for its Spring Market Day celebration from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Pooley and School Streets, in Bagdad. There will be:

• Arts & Crafts Vendors
• Fish Fry
• Cake Walk
• Homemade Ice Cream
• Children’s Activities
• Bagdad Fire Department Demonstration

Among the items for sale will be: Pen and Ink Drawings, Candles, Collectibles, Jewelry, Wind Chimes, Honey, Farm Implements, Crochet Towels, Aprons, Personalized Books, Children’s Music, Kites, Metal Sculptures, Homemade Salsa, Antiques, Red Hats, Lighted Glass Bottles, Turned Wood Items, and Watercolor Paintings.

Those in the know suggest you bring a lawn chair and simply enjoy the day. That sounds like a great prelude to summer!

Call 850-983-3005 or 850-293-5349 for more information or visit www.BagdadVillage.org.

Saturday in the Park is a free community festival featuring artists, craftspeople, and live entertainment, including country, blues, jazz and ethnic music, a variety of cultural dance troupes, storytellers, children’s crafts, petting zoo, historical exhibits, traditional trade demonstrations, museum tours, and food vendors. There will also be a Kid’s Country Corner, featuring old fashioned games & toys, bubble gum blowing, watermelon eating contests, folk art crafts and more!

The Panhandle Heritage 5K & Kids’ 1 Mile Fun Run will kick off the festival at 7 a.m. with a run around old Valparaiso. See the Heritage Museum’s website for registration information.

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement will be having its annual Folk Life Days April 16th, 17th & 18th.

There will be demonstrations relating to homelife, including biscuit-making, soap-making, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and washing clothes. Other features relating to life on the farm include beekeeping, blacksmithing, woodcarving, making crackling, churning butter, and using a saw mill. There will be hayrides and music throughout the day. All cabins will be open and manned by volunteers. Admission is $3. For additional information and/or directions, call 850-674-2777 or visit www.ppmuseum.org.

Friday’s activities include a Crafts Fair, live entertainment, a Fine Arts Show, a Library Book Sale, a Native American Village, and a time Portal to the Past, featuring Spanish Explorers and French Occupational Soldiers!

Saturday will bring a Children’s Festival, a Classic Car show, a Dog Sports Exhibition, Sporting Events, Trolley Tours, and more live music! Be sure to check the schedule before you go, so you don’t miss anything!