St. Johns River Duck Race, More On Saturday

    A fun weekend lies ahead for the northern regions of the readership area. Both Astor and Barberville will host special events this weekend, with the public invited to come out for activities ranging from blacksmithing demonstrations to rubber ducks racing on the St. Johns River.
   Here’s a breakdown of the activities:
   - The Astor Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Spring Festival on Saturday, April 1. From 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., the Big River Marina on the shores of the St. Johns River will be the place to be for live entertainment, food trucks, craft vendors, raffles, and more. The family fun day will also feature the return of the popular Duck Race on the St. Johns River, and event that has been dormant since the COVID 19 outbreak.
   The Duck Race will begin at noon on the river, with a stout $500 prize for the owner of the duck that crosses the finish line in first place. Second place will pay $250, and third place will be awarded $150.
   Ducks have been available from local businesses at $5 per entry, and proceeds from the race, and the day overall, will go to support supplying the new Astor County Library.
   Big River Marina is located at the Astor Bridge, on SR 40, on the Volusia County side of the river.
   - 18th Annual Spring Frolic at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. This popular event is back for another year of live music covering the grounds of the historic settlement, living history demonstrations, handmade arts and crafts, and the chance to visit dozens of historic buildings that dot the settlement grounds. There will be an antique car show on Saturday, lots of fresh food, jam tents, a silent auction, a 'Find the hidden fiddles' contest, and much more. A highlight of settlement events is demonstrations of historic folk arts like blacksmithing, wheel making, candle making, quilting, and more. The event runs from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. The settlement is located at the intersection of SR 40 and US 17 in Barberville. Learn more at www.pioneersettlement.org.