Fall Country Jamboree and More Fall Events in West Volusia County, Florida

November is the time when locals rejoice, for the weather turns cooler, and autumn in Florida is beautiful. Locals experience Indian summer-type weather by day, and at night, all one needs is a light jacket against the drop in temperature.

West Volusia County includes Barberville and DeLand, among other small towns. Barberville was once an old pioneer settlement, and remains rural to a point, while DeLand is a hip college town that retains its small southern charm.

Now that the summer sun's cruel rays have finally subsided enough to let the refreshing autumn chill invigorate, Floridians have a lot of fun fall activity to look forward to this year in Volusia County.

Many of Florida's snowbirds return, that is seasonal residents that have left Florida during the summer to return in autumn, just in time for the festivities. Festivals and events abound, for there are more residential and tourist dollars to be spent in the fall, and combined with the weather, this makes for some of the more exciting events, especially close to the holiday season.

Barberville's Annual Fall Country Jamboree at the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts is in its 31^st year, and runs November 4-5, from 9a.m.-5p.m. The settlement has educational tours throughout the compound, and shows lifelike replication of what Florida's old pioneer days were like. There are also myriad arts and crafts for children and more. Cost of event: $5; ages sixteen and younger free. The Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts is located at 1776 Lightfoot Lane, S.R. 40 and U.S. 17, easily accessible from DeLand. http://pioneersettlement.org/home.php

One of the biggest Fall events in Volusia County is the Fall Festival of the Arts. The festival runs November 20-21. This is a prestigious event for the art world, for it includes fine artists and crafters from around the country and internationally. Artisans come to DeLand to show and sell their works, with Woodland Boulevard converted into a kaleidoscope of passionate artisans, some competing in juried art and craft competitions, but mostly to sell and share their work, which ranges from oils, acrylics, pastels, neutrals, old Florida art and more. Thousands of people annually attend this free festival.

DeLand has some wonderful events throughout the holiday season as well, from November to December's Holiday Tour of Historic Homes, and varied Christmas festivities. DeLand is located off I-4 at exit 118, between Daytona Beach and Orlando. Route 44 will take you directly to Woodland Boulevard.
For even more events, check out DeLand's Mainstreet homepage. http://www.mainstreetdeland.com/