Phillippi Estate Park To Celebrate 100th Anniversary

SARASOTA, FL – Phillippi Estate Park has seen a lot in the past 100 years. Interestingly, the past century at the park has opened up a window into the area’s far distant past as well.

The Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department will celebrate the park’s centennial with a weekend of free events on Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13. The two-day event will highlight Sarasota County’s history – both old and new – with an archaeological dedication, circus acts, a photography show, concerts and more.

The 60-acre park sits on the shores of Phillippi Creek south of downtown Sarasota. Phillippi Estate Park is home to the Edson Keith Mansion, built in 1916 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The park is also home to the Keith Farmhouse, which is currently under renovation. When complete, the farmhouse will serve as an interpretive center, featuring archaeological and historic artifacts, plus memorabilia from the various periods of the park’s history.

The events and attractions planned for the celebration include:

Saturday, Nov. 12

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – CIRCUS! Photography Show: A long-lost treasure of vintage color and black-and white photos featuring the daily routines of Ringling performers on the backlots of the circus will be on display.
• 10 to 11 a.m. – Dedication of Prodie Shell Midden interpretive signage: The signs describe the archaeological studies conducted along Phillippi Creek and their findings. Learn about the history of the Phillippi property, from the Archaic Period (5,000 years ago) to the Manasota encampment on the creek’s shores 2,500 to 1,200 years ago, to the Seminole Indian Wars of the 1800s.
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Polpo’s Wood Burning Pizza Wagon: Located on the front driveway in front of the Edson Keith Mansion.
• 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. – Circus Arts Conservatory Sailor Circus Academy: Student performances will take place in the rose garden on the east side of the mansion.
• 2 to 3 p.m. – Sarasota Concert Band: The performance on the mansion’s back lawn will include songs from the past, including circus music, John Philip Souza marches and ragtime. Lawn chairs are welcome.

Sunday, Nov. 13

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – CIRCUS! Photography Show
• Noon to 3 p.m. – Light Chasers: Sarasota’s own plein air painters will create, exhibit and sell their original works of art. A portion of the proceeds from each purchase will support the renovation of the Keith Farmhouse.
• Noon to 4 p.m. – Circus Arts Conservatory teaching artists and clowns: The artists and clowns will be appearing around the park.
• Noon to 4 p.m. – Purple Belle ice cream truck: Located on the mansion driveway nearn the Keith Farmhouse.
• 2 to 3 p.m. – Kitt Moran and Mike Moran Jazz Trio: The performance will feature smooth jazz on the Keith Farmhouse front lawn. Lawn chairs are welcome.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at (941) 861-5000.

Image via the Sarasota County Government website, YouTube video via the Sarasota County Governement