CANCELED 

Join us for a community festival!

10 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 28
McPherson Governmental Campus| 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

Marion County invites residents and visitors to the annual community festival on Sat., March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Campus in Ocala.

Organizations from around the area will participate in telling Marion County’s story in a fun, informative and interactive way. Stop by and enjoy food, games and more!

Be a part of the celebration and help tell Marion County's story in a fun, informative and interactive way as a volunteer or through a sponsorship! Your organization or group can even register below for a booth at the event.

Then, email completed forms to AdministrativeServices@marioncountyfl.org, or deliver to Marion County Administration at 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala.

Let us know on Facebook that you're attending!

History

When the U.S. government acquired Florida in 1821, scouts were sent to survey the peninsula. By 1825, the government had created an agency to oversee the Seminole population in what would become Marion County.

The U.S. Army established a military outpost to protect the northern boundary of the Indian reservation. Pioneers came to present-day Marion County for free land offered under the Armed Occupation Act during the 1840s.

Between 1842 and 1844, the county was still a part of Alachua, Mosquito (Orange) and Hillsborough counties, and the closest county seat was in Alachua - a difficult 50 miles from Fort King. As a result, early settlers began to get restless for a new county.

Gabriel Priest, the first state senator from Marion, represented Alachua County when he introduced a bill to create the new county. The territorial legislative council authorized the formation of Marion County. Richard Keith Call, the territorial governor, signed the law on March 25, 1844.

Marion County has grown substantially in its history and now boasts significant economic development and the title of Horse Capital of the World^TM. The people and natural landmarks of Marion County have contributed greatly to the history of the state of Florida.

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