Some cows swim

Awakening to snow and freezing temperatures, Citrus County residents bundled up and headed out doors last Saturday.

On Jan. 9 and 10, Crystal River held its annual Florida Manatee Festival in honor of the sea cows. The 35th annual event took place on Citrus Avenue, and adjoining streets, in Crystal River where over 100 artists and vendors lined the streets.

Frigid temperatures had many people bundled up trying to stay warm, but the cold did not hold back the crowds. Instead, festival goers found other means of staying warm.

"I don't know if the festival will be as busy as usual due to the cold," said Ken Milby. "But we are staying warm by the grill."

Festival attendees seemed to walk quickly down the streets as they experienced the Florida Manatee Festival.

Manatees were the festival's guest of honor. However, there was a decrease in the amount of people wanting to go on the manatee tours. A manatee tour is a guided boat ride into the area of the river where the creatures gather.

"Usually every year there is a line around this building for people wanting to go on a tour," said Candi Coffman, owner of Crystal River Manatee Tours. "So far today we have had maybe 50 people take a tour."

Manatees, also known as sea cows, come into the Crystal River annually to stay warm when temperatures drop. According to Coffman the natural spring that feeds this river stays at approximately 72 degrees year round.

This year was unusual, as it seemed more manatees were struggling to keep warm.

"There are so many manatees in the river that we cannot count them," Coffman said. "We are concerned for the manatees."

Even though the guest of honor showed up to the festival, attendees were not eager to take a tour to see them.

This, however, did not stop the festival from continuing.

Attendees young and old had something to keep them occupied. From blow-up slides to entertainment in the gazebo, a variety of activities were offered. Even dogs in coats attended the festival along side their owners.

Some of the highlights included free children's activities, boat rides on King's Bay, the Paul Bunyan Lumber Jack Show, food, drinks and live entertainment.

Hosted by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Crystal River, the 35th annual Florida Manatee Festival continued on, even in the cold.