Culture | November 12th, 2024

Tallahassee – Leon County celebrates 200 years!

By: Cariane Geffrard | Online Editor

The weather might have been gloomy, but Tallahassee residents did not let a little rain stop them from having fun! On Sunday, Nov. 10, hundreds visited the Parkview at Cascades to celebrate all that Tallahassee has to offer, from arts and culture to history and learning, at the First Florida Capitol Festival.

Organizers displayed tables in a circular formation with appearances from the Tallahassee Museum, the Tallahassee Historical Society, the John G. Riley Museum, the Tallahassee Challenger Learning Center, Mission San Luis, Tallahassee State College (formerly known as Tallahassee Community College), Florida A&M University’s very own Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum (MEBA) and many more.

Tahira Johnson, a work-study intern at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives, worked the event.

“It’s been pretty cool; I’ve been able to tell what we [MEBA] are to random people that just walk up. Hopefully, they come out and see the Archives someday,” Johnson said.

Terrie Vail, a FAMU student and MEBA intern, echoed these sentiments. Being from Miami, Florida, Vail was astonished to witness the vast history within Tallahassee but was excited to see its future as well.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come out here and just experience what Tallahassee is like, before and after,” Vail said. “I feel like Dr. Eaton would be incredibly proud of this. We’re doing his work, and we’re constantly doing it. So hey, the hard work has yet to come!”

The event also drew out notable figures like Tallahassee’s Mayor John Dailey and T-Pain’s family. T-Pain, the superstar and Tallahassee native, performed at the Adderley Amphitheater at Cascades Park later that night – adding to the Bicentennial Weekend Spectacular.

See some photos below from the event:

A replica of Florida’s first Capitol building, a log cabin in 1824, was recreated in collaboration with the Mayor of the City of Tallahassee, the Tallahassee Historical Society, and the Bicentennial History Task Force.

Tallahassee Mayor John E. Daily and Tallahassee Historical Society President Bob Holladay give a speech in the rain at Florida’s First Capitol Festival at Cascades Park on Sunday afternoon.

Reenactors replicate a protest held at the first Florida Capitol in 1824. One holds up a sign that says, “Keep R.K. Call in Congress!”

Florida A&M University student and DJ Laila Jade spun spectacular sounds like “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, “Give Me the Night” by George Benson, “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith, and much more. See her work on Instagram @laiiroyale_

Free Blue Bell ice cream pints!

Live music and historical dancing to celebrate 200 years.

An antique car displayed by the Goodwood Museum and Gardens for the festival.

The Meek-Eaton Black Archives Museum represented Florida A&M University at the First Florida Capitol Festival with sports memorabilia and a futuristically functional vintage Rock-O-La jukebox.

Terrie Vail, FAMU student, after a conversation with a member of the 2nd Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops (in collaboration with the Living History Association).

Children’s beaded jewelry-making and historically accurate men’s fashion at the Mission San Luis stand at Florida’s First Capitol Festival.

Tallahassee has more events slated in December, like the “Bicentennial Birthday Bash” from Dec. 27-29 at the Goodwood Museum and Gardens. For more information on the celebrations, visit TallahasseeLeonCounty200.com.