CELEBRATIONS
37
result was an incredible thumbs up.
It was the historical version of Comic Con, but instead of
Superman and Iron Man, Civil War reenactors and Florida
cowboys walked the streets of downtown on Jan. 14.
The Black Box Theatre was standing room only most of the
day as one speaker after another shared their stories while
other visitors lined up for ghost tours and historical trolley
rides. Even the food connections at the festival included
locals like the Summerlin family and Hassie Russ of Granny’s
Kitchen fame.
“Fort Pierce has the best sense of history of any place in this
area,” said Alesha Fuller, a visitor who was enjoying Summerlin
hush puppies while visiting with her friends.
Authors who have either a connection to the Treasure
Coast like Hurston, who found her way here in her later
years, or natives like Sally Putnam Chapman drew interest
with their life stories. Festival-goers had a chance to meet and
hear about their connections to Fort Pierce’s rich and colorful
history.
A dozen authors were also on hand to speak to fans in the
makeshift Authors Alley across from the theater including
Janie Gould, who wrote and recorded the Floridays series;
Terry Howard, author of three books on local commercial
fishing; local history writer Lucille Rights and many others.
GHOSTLY HISTORY
It never fails to attract listeners when a storyteller begins a
ghost tale, especially when they are about buildings within
walking distance. So what better activity to add to the historical
fun than a ghost-walking tour?
Larry Lawson, a paranormal investigator, spent the day >>
ED DRONDOSKI
Blair Arnold, 2017 Sandy Shoes Theme Girl, and Vicki Bush, who held the
title in 1965, make the rounds at the festival sponsored by Indian River
Magazine, Main Street Fort Pierce and the Sunrise Theatre.
JOHN BIONDO
Festival-goers visit exhibits on Second Street in front of the Sunrise Theatre to learn about the city’s colorful past.