About the Bartram Frolic
SAVE THE DATES for the 2022 Frolic on the Riverfront!
Join us as we celebrate our St. Johns River and the 248th anniversary of William Bartram’s 1774 travels through Palatka. April 22, 23 & 24.
About Our Bartram Heritage
In the fall of 1774 William Bartram experienced what is known as the Indian Frolic at Spalding’s Lower Store. His 9-month stay on his favorite river in Putnam County is documented in Bartram’s masterpiece TRAVELS. The annual St. Johns River Bartram Frolic on Palatka’s riverfront will celebrate our National Heritage River, the Bartram National Recreation Trail in Putnam County, and offer our county as a historic eco-tourism and recreation destination.
Schedule of Events
FRIDAY ACTIVITES – April 22nd
- Frolic on the St. Johns Education program – 9:00AM – 3:00PM Putnam County School District brings over 150 Second Grade students to the Riverfront for the Passport-to-the-Past educational tour and river boat ride.
- Bartram Springs-to-Springs paddle 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM. Guided tour departing from Acosta Marina in Welaka (Four Bartram sites)
- Bartram Art Show “St. Johns River Yesterday and Today” Reception– 5:00 PM – 6:45 PM – 1st Presbyterian Church, Westminster Hall. Free, no reservations needed.
- Bartram’s Reverence for Nature Concert – 7:00 PM – 9:00PM 1st Presbyterian Church 123 S 2nd St, Palatka – The newly renovated sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Palatka will host songs & stories of William Bartram’s travels along the St. Johns River in 1774. Free, no reservations needed.
SATURDAY ACTIVITES – April 23rd
- Johns River Bartram Frolic on the Riverfront – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Includes the following:
- Passport-to-the-Past – The St. Johns River Center will host an educational activity for school-aged youth visiting ten education stations and living historians to learn about our river and its history. Those completing the activity will be rewarded. This is great for the whole family. Register near the St. Johns River Center.
- Living History on the Riverfront – Meet William Bartram, the Long Warrior “King of the Seminoles”, Bartram’s guide and trader Job Wiggins, Ft. Mose’ militia and families, and 18th Century residents of Florida.
- Food Trucks on St. Johns Avenue – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Nature-based Vendors, Demonstrations and Environmental Groups – booths along the riverfront and St. Johns Avenue.
- Tales and Songs of the St. Johns River 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: This will be a schedule of storytellers, and musicians with tales and songs of the St. Johns River. Held at the new amphitheater.
- Bartram Trail Florida Cracker Horse Equestrian Ride at Dunns Creek State Park – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Friends of Dunns Creek State Park will host equestrians for trail rides in the park (Bartram site). Reservations are required and limited. See Friends of Dunns Creek State Park Facebook page.
- Bartram Historic Rollestown Kayaking Tour – 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM: A guided paddle from Palatka’s Riverfront Park to Rollestown and return. See website and Facebook for reservations and details.
- Bartram Historic Tour at Mount Royal – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: National Historic Mount Royal guided tour and stroll in Welaka. A Quaker Friend will share information. Reservations are recommended.
- Pride of Palatka Guided River Boat Tours– Reservations for all cruises are required – see website and Facebook
- 1:00 PM St. Johns Riverkeeper Cruise
- 3:00 PM Bartram Trail St. Johns River Cruise
- Bartram Sunset Wine Cruise – 6:00PM – 8:00 PM
- Pontoon boat tours 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: NORTHSTAR CHARTERS will provide tours from the Riverfront.
- Bicycling Tour Historic, Homes, Murals and Ravine Gardens – 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: A guided bicycle tour of historic home and murals from the riverfront (includes five Bartram sites) – Reservations are recommended.
- Palatka Riverfront and Murals Walk – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Guided walk through historic downtown Palatka including three Bartram sites. Reservations recommended.
SUNDAY ACTIVITIES – April 24th
- Bartram Trail Guided Bus Tour – Palatka to Mount Royal 9:30AM – 12:00 PM – A guided bus tour that includes 12 Bartram Sites – Puc-Puggy Playground, Palatka Waterworks, Riverfront Park, Rollestown, Dunns Creek, Satsuma Spring, Welaka, Beecher Springs Run, Mount Royal. Tour will depart and return from the St. Johns River Center. Reservations are limited and required.
- Pontoon boat tours 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: NORTHSTAR CHARTERS will provide tours from the Riverfront.
- Puc Puggy Trail Hike / Water Works / Ravine Gardens State Park –10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: A guided hike from the Ravine Gardens State Park to the Water Work Environmental Education Center and the Puc Puggy nature trail. Reservations are required and limited.
- Spalding’s Lower Store Paddle– 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Guided historic paddle through Seven Sisters Islands to Bartram’s home while on the St. Johns River in 1774. Reservations required.
Bartram Symposium – 2:00 PM – 5:00 pm: 1st Presbyterian Church, Westminster Hall. The Symposium will feature six Bartram scholars and experts – Dr. Dorinda Dallmeyer will talk about her book “Bartram’s Living Legacy” as the inspiration for the PBS film CULTIVATING THE WILD; Dr. Christopher Robinson will describe James Spalding of Spalding’s Lower Store here in Palatka and his relationship to William Bartram. Bartram Trail Society of FL President Sam Carr and Director Dean Campbell will explain the status of the Bartram Trail in Florida.
Passport to the Past
Kids can register to the St. Johns River Center to get a passport for the events.
Passport to the Past is an educational adventure that’s fun for the entire family. Visit each of the ten stations from William Bartram’s travels to Putnam County in 1765 and 1774.
With each one you complete, you collect a new sticker or stamp to place in your official Passport to the Past booklet Those completing the activity will receive a prize.
Living History (5 Stations) – Visit with Billy Bartram, Long Warrior: King of the Seminoles, Job Wiggens and Fort Mose’ militia and families and 18th century residents of Florida
St. Johns River exploration (3) – Join in the exploration of water-based ecology and adventures Bartram’s Florida Cracker horses – See Florida’s historic treasure of the Seminole horses known as the Florida Cracker horse.
Guided Bicycle Tour
Bicycle tour of Historic Homes & Murals
Saturday, April 23, 10-11:30am
This leisurely bicycle ride will meander along brick streets of the North and South Historic districts of Palatka to view some beautiful historic homes. We will stop to learn about some of the hand-painted murals near St. Johns Avenue and various designated Bartram Sites. It is a great way to learn about this historic town. Meet at clock tower at Palatka’s Riverfront Park and bring a helmet & bicycle in good working order. The leaders for this event are Linda Crider (352) 359-0623 & Tom Hepp.
Pride of Palatka Riverboat Tours
The Pride of Palatka II, operated by the Boathouse Marina, will offer guided riverboat tours three times on Saturday, April 23, during the festival. The 1.5-hour cruises on the St. Johns River will feature historic and Bartram Trail sites.. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Cruise #1 – 1:00 PM – St. Johns Riverkeeper Cruise will be hosted by Lisa Rinaman The 1.5-hour cruise on the St. Johns River will feature the nature and health of the historic St. Johns River. Local authorities Ken and Janice Mahaffey will be your historic resources. The tour includes historic Palatka (BT # 4) , Moritani Point, Forrester Point (BT#2), and Bartram’s Greys (Rice) Creek (BT#3).
Cruise #2 – 3:00 PM Bartram National Trail Historic Cruise will be guided by local authorities Ken and Janice Mahaffey. The 1.5-hour cruise on the St. Johns River will feature the historic St. Johns River an the Bartram National Recreation Trail . You will begin on Palatka’s historic riverfront (BT #4) and tour Wilson Cove, Hart’s Point, Devil’s Elbow, the Puc-Puggy Playground, Veterans Memorial Park and Bartram’s historic Rollestown (BT #7).
Cruise #3 – 6:00 PM Sunset River Boat Wine Cruise will be a leisurely sunset cruise on the beautiful St. John’s River guided by William Bartram himself. You hear words he wrote in America’s first literary masterpiece – TRAVELS -“How glorious the powerful sun, minister of the Most High, in the rule and government of this earth, leaves our hemisphere, retiring from our sight beyond the western forests! I behold with gratitude his departing smiles, tinging the fleecy roseate clouds, now riding far away on the Eastern horizon; behold they vanish from sight in the azure skies!” The historic Palatka waterfront will be introduced through Bartram’s eyes. Delight in wine & light refreshments as you are entertained.
Pre-registration is required. All cruises will depart from the south floating dock by the clock tower. Please arrive 15 minutes early. The Pride of Palatka II is owned by the City of Palatka and operated by the Boathouse Marina.
Phone – (386) 268-0109
Bartram’s words from his masterpiece “TRAVELS” will be shared. Please arrive at the floating dock by 5:15 pm.
Living History
Between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 23.
William Bartram (1735-1823)
Mike Adams as William Bartram.
William Bartram’s exploration of Florida is familiar to people throughout the world, thanks to the publication TRAVELS in 1791 – America’s first literary masterpiece. William Bartram (his friends and family called him Billy) came to Putnam County two times. The first time was with his father, John in 1765. The second time, in April 1774 was to explore and document what he found. Bartram’s discoveries and illustrations of nature documented tropical flora and fauna and his vivid descriptions made his book a worldwide sensation. His book has descriptions of his encounters with the native people. While in Florida, he drew over 50 illustrations of plants, animals, fish, turtles and birds. Locally we are largely unaware of the importance of his explorations and subsequent writings to literary history, environmental science and the settlement and later development of Florida. He and his cast of characters are uniquely ours – “They belong to Putnam County – it’s your history and heritage.”
The Long Warrior
Jim Sawgrass as “Micco-Chlucco The Long Warrior, King of the Seminoles”
The Long Warrior is representative of the Native Americans present in our area during the time of Bartram’s visits to Florida (1765-1774). The Long Warrior is spoken of several times in TRAVELS always with respect and in a positive light. Bartram first met the Long Warrior at the Treaty of Picollata in 1765 near St. Augustine. He is seen as a strong and intelligent leader. Billy’s illustration of Mico-Chlucco, The Long Warrior – “King of the Seminoles” was his only portrait. The Long Warrior will be one of the living history actors at the Frolic. He was a much-respected friend of William’s and was instrumental in enabling him to safely travel throughout Florida in 1774.
Job Wiggens
Robert Wilson, aka Job Wiggens – Bartram’s friend, guide and interpreter.
William Bartram was befriended by Job Wiggens on his travels in Florida. Bartram said “the old interpreter, Job Wiggens, often my travelling companion, friend and benefactor.”
Bartram resided at Spalding’s Lower Store which was Florida’s main trading post with the Indians (Native Americans). Wiggens was the main negotiator and interpreter for the Store and took Bartram along on his ventures across Florida. Bartram calls him “the old trader” and “the old interpreter”.
Guided Kayak Tours
Paddling the Shoreline of Bartram’s Four Spring Hike
Friday, April 22, 12:30 – 4:00 pm
Paddle with Bartram expert Dean Campbell along the shoreline of the St. Johns River parallel to the path hiked by John and William Bartram in 1765 as they visited four springs on their hike to present-day Welaka.
Palatka to Rollestown Loop Paddle
Saturday, April 23, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Join Bartram expert Dean Campbell as he follows in the wake of John and William Bartram along the path of their Christmas Day 1775 voyage from the Palatka riverfront to the location of historic Rollestown where the Bartrams spent Christmas night on the banks of the St. Johns River in present-day East Palatka.
Paddling to the historic site of Spalding’s Lower Store
Sunday, April 24, 8:00 am – 11:30 am
Paddle with Bartram expert Dean Campbell to the historic site of Spalding’s Lower Store. During William Bartram’s second visit to Florida in 1774, he made Spalding’s Lower Store the base of operations for his various land and water explorations. It was here that he made many of his drawings and compiled his reports to his benefactor, Dr. Fothergill, for shipment to England.
Guided Hiking Tours
About this event
There are two guided hiking tours available during the St. Johns River Bartram Frolic. Ron Bloor will be your guide on the hikes that are more like casual walking tours. Key Bartram sites are visited.
Saturday APR23 – 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Mount Royal National Historic Site Tour
Join us atop the 700-year-old Indian Mound for a presentation of the history of the mound and of the Indian presence in Florida, as well as of William Bartram’s visits to the mound. A Quaker Friend will read William’s touching prayer of thanksgiving, nature stewardship and oneness. An optional stroll to the St. Johns River to the Beecher Springs Run site will be offered (1 mi.) . You will visit Mount Royal (BT21); Beecher Springs Run (BT22); nearby site includes Beecher Springs Welaka Nat’l Fish Hatchery (BT20) The hike gathers at the Mount Royal Historic Pavilion Mount Royal
Sunday APR23 – 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Hike into Ravine Gardens State Park to the Puc Puggy Nature Trail
Come along on a trek down into the Ravine, crossing a suspension bridge, and along the crystal-clear water of the spring run to the old Palatka Water Works Environmental Education Center. From there we will hike the Puc-Puggy Nature Trail, stopping at the Gopher Tortoise Habitat, the Bartram Glade, and the Organic Community Garden. There are three interpretive kiosks on the trail.
Afterwards, participants will be able to explore the ravine further on their own. There will be time to attend the Bartram Symposium. You will visit Bartram Trail sites: Ravine Gardens Bartram Trail Marker (BT05); Palatka Water Works-Puc Puggy Trail (BT06).
The hike begins at the Garden Club of Palatka’s log cabin on the east side of the parking lot inside the entrance of the Ravine Gardens State Park . This hike includes many stairs and hills into and out of the Ravines. Park fees are included in your reservation. Garden Club of Palatka in Ravine Gardens
Contact Phone – (386) 268-0109
Bartram Trail Equestrian Ride at Dunns Creek State Park
Sat, April 23, 2022
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM EDT
In honor of the Florida Cracker Horse as first observed and recorded by William Bartram in 1774.
Join Friends of Dunns Creek State Park in a day ride event in honor of the Florida Cracker Horse as first observed and recorded by William Bartram in 1774. The park opens at 8:00 AM. A negative Coggins is required for each horse.Those who wish to ride out unaccompanied may begin at any time. A guided ride will start at 10:00 AM and end at noon or so. Reservations are required and limited. See Friends of Dunns Creek State Park Facebook page.
Bartram Trail Guided Bus Tour
Bartram Trail Guided Bus Tour – Palatka to Mount Royal 9:30AM – 12:00 PM
This is a guided bus tour that includes 12 Bartram Sites – Puc-Puggy Playground, Palatka Waterworks, Riverfront Park, Rollestown, Dunns Creek, Satsuma Spring, Welaka, Beecher Springs Run, Mount Royal. The Tour will depart from and return toom the St. Johns River Center. Reservations are limited and required.
Food and Drink
There will be Food Trucks available 10:00 am- 4:00 pm Saturday, April 23.
Bartram Symposium
Sunday, April 24h, 2:00 PM – 5:00 pm
Location: 1st Presbyterian Church, Westminster Hall.
The Symposium will feature Bartram scholars and experts – Dr. Dorinda Dallmeyer will talk about her book “Bartram’s Living Legacy” as the inspiration for the PBS film CULTIVATING THE WILD; Dr. Christopher Robinson will describe James Spalding of Spalding’s Lower Store here in Palatka and his relationship to William Bartram. Bartram Trail Society of FL President Sam Carr and Director Dean Campbell will explain the status of the Bartram Trail in Florida.
Local Lodging
Best Western Inn of Palatka
119 US Highway 17 S
East Palatka, FL 32131
(386)325-7800
Crystal Cove Riverfront Resort & Suites
133 Crystal Cove Riverfront Resort Dr
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)325-1055
Georgia Boys Fish Camp
217 Butler Drive
Satsuma, FL 32189
(386)325-7764
Grand Gables Inn Bed & Breakfast
603 Emmett Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)329-6166
Hampton Inn
100 Memorial Parkway
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)530-2420
Smita Patel, Manager
Holiday Inn Express Palatka Northwest
3813 Reid Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)325-2500
Quality Inn & Suites
201 N 1st Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)328-3481
Regency Inn
100 Federal Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)328-1587
Sleep Inn & Suites
3805 Reid Street
Palatka, FL 32177
(386)325-8889
Private Boat Tours and Boat Rentals
Available from the riverfront by local businesses ongoing from 10:00 – 5:00. Please make reservations directly with the vendors. For reservations contact:
- Karen Chadwick, North Star Charters, Welaka
- (386) 983-1256
- North Star Charters
- KarenChadwick95@yahoo.com
