Setting Area Background Written by CaptnQ Watered by seven spring-driven rivers and wrapped in verdant forest, Citrus County may be Florida's most natural attraction! If variety is the essence of the Florida experience, then from its unspoiled shore on the Gulf of Mexico to its rolling hills and sparkling lakes, Citrus County has it all! ... or so says the adverts. The reality of the situation is much different. Citrus County is a no man's land in the Dreaming. From the point of view of the Changelings of the area, the land is a wasteland of swamps and commercialism. If you aren't dealing with the banality of capitalism gone wild, you are dealing with human's fears of Homosassas State Park which has brought about some of the nastiest critters fae have ever seen drag themselves out of a swamp. There is one bright patch in this wilderness, Crystal River. A small town that has had growing pains, but still retains its inherant charm. This town has long been help by commoners and remains a stronghold of commoner rights. The locals are used to living in such close proximity to Homosassas Swamp and the other wierdness that abounds. The Nobles attempts to take over the city have failed for two reasons: One, the local fae are tough as nails, and two, large movements of changelings often attract the monsters of the swamp. After the disastrous invasion of 1970 by the Countess Kim Lzu that claimed her life, the nobles of the Kingdom of the White Sand have taken more political means of ensuring the loyalty of the people of Crystal River. (Apparently, the nobles were not prepared to be attacked by a seventy-foot long alligator.) When High Kind David took office, it was order that a Commoner Kith be elevated to the title of Baron and given control of all of Crystal River and the nearby Homosassas State Park, much to the chagrin of the Baron of Inverness on the far side of Homosassas State Park. This traditionally Unseelie Stronghold was totally unprepared for this shift in power - however, with the recent death of Kim Lzu, there was little that could be done. While the names and faces have changed, this is basically how things have stood up until this point. It's not the most pleasant place to live, but it is among the more exciting places. Very rarely does a week go by without some sort of trouble stirring up. Crystal River Berrypatch Manor - Located on the edge of town to the north, Berrypatch manor is so named for the fact it is on the edge of one of the largest strawberry plantations in the state. It is also the main freehold for the area and the center of the Changeling Community. The current baron is Cynthia Quinn, an Eshu. Kings Bay, Seafoam Hold - Another Freehold in the area is located at Kings Bay to the south of Crystal River. Located in the sea caves, this freehold is accessible only to those who can breath underwater. It is currently in the possession of Walt Driggers (a reclusive Lobster Pooka) and two Selkies. They do have the ability to grant the ability to breath underwater to other changelings for a time via use of a potion they make, but do it rarely. Paradise Point - This is a small park up along the coast to the northwest. (Small meaning only twenty miles or so across.) However, Paradise Point has recently become the center of alot of attention. There isn't a freehold here, but there are trods that open erratically and without warning. Karen Silverson, a Knocker Squire of House Eliuned has come to town on the request of the Baroness in hopes of they might figure out the pattern of the Trod's activities and beable to control them. However, people are not entirely trusting of this shady Nocker. 1st American Morgage Securities - Sally Wade is a Kithain who knows all about the Changelings in town. This half fae spends her time helping the baroness. Plantation Inn & Golf Resort - The Plantation Inn and Golf Resort is a first-class hotel that epitomizes the gracious southern hospitality and quiet charm synonymous with the Florida of yesteryear. The Plantation Inn and Golf Resort is a beautifully restored destination the heart of Florida's Nature Coast. Two story sprawling manor houses with one hundred and twenty six guest rooms including twelve golf villas and five condos. Children under sixteen stay free in room with parents. 7 Rivers Golf & Country Club - Stuart R. Bozeman - The other golf course in town, this is much more for the changelings and locals then anyone else. But golf is secondary to what this area really is for. It is a breeding ground for one of Crystal River's best exports: Chimerical Sock Monkeys. The Banana Nut Grove in the middle of the golf course is filled with Chimerical Sock Monkeys 7395 W. Pinebrook St. Salon-Spa - William Maguffey runs a salonspa which is a popular place for tourists who come to the golf club and hotel to relax. A Boggan with a good reputation, William is one of the cornerstones of the Crystal River community. 585 SE US Hwy 19 Cutter - Nobody knows why, but the poor part of town is called Cutter. And poor it is. Concidered a wasteland by the Changelings, the people in that part of town are over above average banality. However, as distasteful as this part of town is, The Baroness has ordered that no attempt be made to help this part of town become less banal. In fact, it is encouraged. It's location between it an the Homosassas Swamp acts as a bulwark against the chimerical critters that occationally come crawling out of the swamp. Chimerical beasties simply dislike passing through Cutter and thus avoid the better parts of Crystal River that the Changelings enjoy. The Archolgical Dig - This six-mound complex was built by a cultural group called the pre-Columbian mound builders. It is considered one of the longest continually occupied sites in Florida. For 1,600 years, beginning around 200 B.C., these 14 acres were an imposing prehistoric ceremonial center for Florida's Native Americans. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center or on the mounds, but they are allowed on the paved trail. Dogs must be leashed. This archeological site is located on the edge of town. Changelings fear to tread there. The very earth seems to vibrate with a slumbering power, yet no one has managed to awaken it and survive to tell the tale. However, whatever dwells here apparently is content to keep to itself, so as long as nobody bothers it, it does not bother anyone else. Homosassas State Park Wilder Funeral Home - Built by Don Northrop, this tiny freehold is a funeral home to the human eye, but to the chimerical one, it is a fort on the edge of madness. Staffed by volunteers and run by the Sluagh Knight Sir Richard Wilder, this small outpost acts as an oasis on the edge of the swamp. Past this point, there be dragons. Advanced Auto Parts - On the northern edge of the park in the middle of a swamp exists an auto junk yard. Full of rusting cars stacked twelve high, this auto graveyard is the home to Don Northrop, Sr., an old and crotchety Nocker who has mastered several arts and realms. It is said that within his junk yard is a fantastic freehold that he made with his own two hands, but nobody has seen it. He does not allow anyone to enter it and refuses to give any information about his private life. He has shown a strong liking for Crystal River in the past and in times of need dropped of weapons and other creations of his for the towns defense. However, to quote Don, "If I wanted visitors, I wouldn't be living in a Fookin' Swamp!" His only known companion is a chimerical Sock Monkey by the name of Banjo. Wild Bill's Airboat Tours - Wild Bill is a Chameleon Pooka and it shows. The ever popular gadfly loves the swamp in every way shape and form and often takes tourists on airboat tours of the swamp while spinning tales and stories that stir the imagination. Oddly enough, Wild Bill is part of the reason so much weird shit comes out of the swamp, because his stories and tall tales get retold by the tourists and after a while gain some semblance of existence in the dreaming. All attempts to stop Wild Bill have failed, and nobody really wishes to push the point. After all he is creating chimeria and those are hard to come by. Bushwallow Bog - No-oddy comes back from a Bushwallow Bog! Inverness Oak Pond Mobile Home Park - Baron Isaac King, Head Unseelie Sidhe Pave-Rite Inc - Jerry Zielinski, Unseelie Nocker YSI Cypress Creek Juvenile Correctional - Eric L. Gallon and Frank 'Pinky' Yetner - Ravaging Central Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative - C.L. Calloway, Scary Company Williams, McCranie & Sutton, C.P.A, P.A. - Rob Wardlow, Soul Crushing Lawyers. Crystal River Annual Events The Annual Florida Manatee Festival - January 10th & 11th, 2004 US Hwy 19 & Citrus Avenue in Historic Downtown Crystal River The Florida Manatee Festival, a two-day event, which takes place in downtown Crystal River along Citrus Avenue, will offer its visitors a variety of interests. In honor of the festival namesake, the endangered Manatee, the festival will even offer its visitors the opportunity to view the manatee in its own environment. Boat tours will be offered for a small charge and will take visitors out on the beautiful Kings Bay to witness this gentle giant in the captivating waters in which the manatee calls "home". Ed Knauss, owner of Crystal River Manatee Dive and Tour is the Chairmen of the Manatee Tours water activities and has gathered many local businesses to donate the use of their boats and provide "Captain" tour guides to narrate during the boat trips. The Manatee Festival promises a vast array of interests for its visitors. A Fine Art show will host exhibitors from around the United States, featuring items from watercolor artwork to breathtaking photography as well as sculptures, stained glass and unique one of a kind handmade jewelry. These are just a few samples of the variety provided by the Fine Artists. Live entertainment will be provided continuously during this two-day event. The third annual Jimmy Buffet sound-a-like contest will take place on Saturday and has proven to be an enticing bit of entertainment. Hosted by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the St. Petersburg Times, this show is juried and cash prizes, along with ribbons are awarded to artists of outstanding merit. Children's activities will be provided on the grounds of the Creative Playground, behind Crystal River City Hall. Sponsored and hosted by the Rotary Club of Crystal River, over 150 craft vendors will be out all weekend to bring to you a tremendous variety of woodwork, jewelry, clothing, collectibles, country craft, crochet, children's toys, knitted work and much more! Stroll through historic downtown Crystal River, along the beautiful streets and find that unique gift or take home something special for the house! With so many vendors to choose from, you are sure to find just what you are looking for and more! Posters of the adorable manatee have been made by local students and will be on display in the Crystal River City Hall building. Continuous movies will also be on display at City Hall to provide Manatee Education information to all visitors as well as Manatee Education booths designated to enhance the awareness on our endangered manatees. The aroma of mouth watering food will tempt your pallet as you stroll through the food court within the festival. Take advantage of all the many items offered by seafood vendors who know how to make an inviting array of delectable seafood plates! Kettle Korn, cotton candy, elephant ears, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, tasty bakery treats and much much more will be sure to keep you from going home hungry! Over 25 food booths to choose from should guarantee you to find something you like! The ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL - Saturday and Sunday, March 6th and 7th Citrus County Fair Grounds The strawberries are ready and the fun is just around the corner! Two fun filled days of art, crafts, games, contest, prizes and delicious food at the 17th Annual Floral City Strawberry Festival at Floral Park in Floral City, Florida. Festival admission is $2 per person, children under 12 years old are admitted free. Floral Park is located on Hwy. 41, 2 1/2 miles south of Floral City. The primary focus of the event is of course the celebration of strawberries - by the berry, by shortcake, by the flat or covered in chocolate! This year's event will again feature strawberry delicacies to tempt the palate. Over 120 craft vendors (all work done by hand) will offer an array of items to please all areas of interest. Over 20 food vendors will serve up appetizing menus that range from seafood to ice cream and old -fashioned soda to tasty BBQ! The old fashioned festival will begin on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each day will include continuous live entertainment, contests, children games and activities and over 200 art and craft booth and over 25-food booth to tempt your appetite. Special features include an antique car show, pony rides, rock climbing wall, pie eating contest and Strawberry Princess Pageants and continuous children's activities. Citrus Antique Cars will be out again on Saturday, displaying those awesome antique cars to all and the Citrus County Cruisers will be out on Sunday, displaying their classic cars for all to see! STRAWBERRY PRINCESS PAGEANT The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce would like to invite contestants to participate in our Little Miss Strawberry Princess and our Miss Strawberry Princess Pageants at our 16th Annual Strawberry Festival in Floral Park at Floral City. The pageant will be held on Saturday with the Little Miss Strawberry Princess Pageant beginning at 2:00 p.m. and the Miss Strawberry Princess Pageant at 3:00 p.m. Contestants must be at least four years old but not older than twelve years old by March 6, 2004. Contestants must be a resident of Citrus County. Copyright Robin Connor, 2004. All Rights Reseved.