2-18-26 OLUSTEE FESTIVAL, LAKE CITY, FL

Olustee Festival ignites patriot spirit - Celebrating America

City and county elected officials gathered with community leaders to officially kick off the 47th Annual Olustee Festival in Lake City this last weekend. Left is Tony Buzzella, commanding general of the Blue-Grey Army and host/emcee of the event. -SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson

Visitors enjoying the 47th Annual Olustee Festival. -SVT Photo

The North Florida Performing Arts Academy Choir sang patriotic songs for the Olustee Festival under the direction of Brittney Stevens. The theme this year was Celebrate America in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary. -SVT Photo - MORE PHOTOS

By Tami Stevenson

The much-anticipated 47th Annual Olustee Festival brought music, food, and plenty of red-white-and-blue spirit to downtown Lake City February 13 and 14. Meanwhile, just up the road in Sanderson, the 49th Annual Olustee Battle Reenactment roared to life February 13–15 at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park.

The downtown festivities were presented by the Blue-Grey Army, Inc., while Florida State Parks hosted the reenactment, drawing thousands of reenactors and Civil War enthusiasts who return year after year to honor the past — and, judging by the crowds, enjoy a good weekend outdoors.

This year’s downtown festival theme, Celebrate America, was named in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.

“In honor of the theme this year, several of the choirs incorporated patriotic music into their performances, which we requested, to help kick off the 250th birthday of the United States,” said Tony Buzzella, president and commanding general of the Blue-Grey Army. “We were very pleased that so many followed that theme.”

Visitors had no shortage of things to do. With 175 vendor booths, live entertainment, and food options that required at least one extra lap around the park before deciding, there was something for just about everyone.

The festival also continued its tradition of honoring descendants of the area’s pioneer families — a reminder that Olustee’s roots run deep. Tony Buzzella’s own great-great-grandfather, Boling Boone, was mortally wounded in the Battle of Olustee and died two days later from his injuries. He left behind a wife and four children.

Buzzella said organizers took community suggestions to heart this year.

“The festival was fantastic,” he said. “We implemented ideas that people have emailed and texted over the past couple of years on how we could improve it.”

One noticeable change was an increase in civilian reenactors strolling throughout the park, particularly on Saturday, adding even more period atmosphere to the event. Arts and crafts vendors were encouraged to feature more handmade and period-appropriate items, and they only had 25 food vendors in hopes of avoiding duplications.

The Kids Corner stayed lively, especially with the return of the ever-popular choo-choo train, which once again proved that no matter the century, trains are timeless.

“Most importantly,” Buzzella added, “the entertainment was over the top. this year, especially on Saturday. I was very pleased overall.”

Organizers hope to keep building on that success — but they’ll need help.

“We’re all volunteers. No one gets paid,” Buzzella said.

The longtime parade chairman retired a few years ago, and the position remains open.

“If the community wants the parade back, we need someone willing to step up and head it,” he said. “We’re putting that invitation out there.”

Buzzella wanted to thank visitors and everyone involved with this year’s festival and said he hopes everyone will come out and support the festival next year and volunteer to help make it even better.

Volunteers do not need to be from Columbia County. “Any and all! We welcome anyone that would like to help preserve American history, promote patriotism and create a festival that is more relevant now than it may have been in the past.”

Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more can contact Blue-Grey Army Executive Director Faye Bowling Warren at (386) 755-1097 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..