Gainesville, 2.5 hours away from Tallahassee, is perhaps most famous for its local university – the University of Florida (as one Florida State University professor put it – "the second best university in Florida"). I came in to Gainesville to attend a small regional conference (SSSP ; Conference), hoping to see a bit of what the local social psychology folks out of Florida State have to offer, perhaps meet a few new people and see a bit of the town. Though I can’t say that I’ve mingled much, I did hear about lots of interesting research projects – most oddly related to relationships and racial/sexual preference prejudice – and saw a bit of Gainesville. It’s a quiet little town, perhaps even more so than Tallahassee and the campus really is well integrated within the city.
I wasn’t able to find a very long list of local attractions, or a short one, but luckily for me – Gainesville was hosting a festival, so I went over to have a look…
So, hot girls doing belly dancing, I like how these people think.
The festival website explains:
The nationally recognized Downtown Festival & Art Show transforms downtown Gainesville into a venue for award-winning artists and draws a crowd of more than 100,000. Presented by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the festival celebrates its 31st anniversary in 2012. For two days, visitors can leisurely stroll through historic downtown and marvel at works from more than 250 of the nation’s most talented artists, who display their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, captivating sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. With such a diverse array of unique art displayed for sale and competition, the Downtown Festival & Art Show is a great way to purchase one-of-a-kind art for you or a friend.
Also watch this short video on the festival :
Want to see a bit of the action?
Belly dancing…
and the video:
Live music…
and the video … :
So, what’s to see?
Lots of activities for kids and families with various local shows going around and entertaining the crowds.
Other than that, there were lots of artists presenting their (very pricy) art in little booths…
There was also, ofcourse, lots of food…
Talked to some of the photographers there, listened to a couple of bands, ate some of the (local?) trash-food and so, overall – had a pleasant time.