Carefree Resorts talent contest includes $5,000 prize

Snowbirds who sing, dance and play musical instruments might want to consider staying at Carefree RV Resorts in Florida this winter.

The RV resort chain, which has 30 locations in Florida, will host its second annual Carefree's Got Talent competition in March. Talent contest participants who stay at Carefree RV Resorts during the winter months will have a chance to compete for a $5,000 grand prize.

Preliminary competitions will take place at each Carefree RV Resort property in Florida in February and early March. The winners of those competitions will then advance to the final competition on March 20 in Lakeland.

The talent competition will be followed by a rally on the evening of March 20, which extends into the next morning. The cost of the rally is $35 per RV and includes dinner on the 20th and breakfast on the 21st.

Last year’s competition brought together 1,200 snowbirds from all over the state. Kenny Channels from Riptide RV Resort in Key Largo took home the $5,000 grand prize by performing hits from George Strait and the Zac Brown Band.

Details on the talent show and the rally will be announced at each Carefree RV Resort after the first of the year. Only Carefree residents who stay at a park for three months or longer during the 2012/2013 season will eligible to participate. However, all are encouraged to attend the show and participate in the rally.

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Carefree RV Resorts offers a variety of RV parks throughout Florida, Texas, New Jersey, California and Massachusetts. For more information, visit Carefree online at www.carefreervresorts.com.

Florida state parks slate early snowbird activities

As snowbird season comes on, Florida’s state parks are responding by offering a smorgasbord of fall festivals and fun family events. From spooky and fun Halloween alternatives to seasonal celebrations look for actvities that each member of the family can enjoy.

A few of the upcoming fall festivities include:

• Saturday, Oct. 13 - Ghost Walk and History Tour at Camp Helen State Park, Panama City Beach, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy spooky stories of the long and varied history of Camp Helen. Refreshments available. $5 donation per adult, $3 for children.

• Friday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 20 – 20th Annual Haunted Woods Event at Hillsborough River State Park (north of Tampa), 6 to 10 p.m., Enjoy a haunted trail, tram rides, spooky displays and a children’s coloring contest. $5 per person donation.

• Friday, Oct 19 and Saturday, Oct. 20 – 4th Annual Howling Hammock Adventure at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale. Spooky and educations stations such as "Giant Bugs" and the two-mile Carriage Ride Adventure. Fun for all ages. $7 for adults and $5 for children.

• Saturday, Oct. 20 – Incredible Autumn Wildflowers at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White, 9 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a ranger-led hike through a slice of autumn’s colorful splendor. $6 per vehicle, up to eight people.

• Saturday, Oct. 20 – Fire Fest at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound, 1 to 9 p.m. Learn about prescribed fires and enjoy outdoor recreation. The afternoon will be filled with fire demonstrations, hands-on activities, a spooky trail, hayride, swamp buggy and horse buggy tours and more. Free park admission but activity fees apply.

• Saturday, Oct. 20, Enchanted Ravines at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, 3 to 6 p.m. The ravine will be transformed into a world of fairies, imaginary and real princesses, pirates and more. Enjoy a wagon tour, children’s games, moon walk and hands-on crafts. $3 per person.

Emerald Coast resort adds new features, RV sites

Live Oak Landing, an RVC Outdoor Destination vacation property is geared up in time for the summer travel season as it rolls out numerous improvements to the resort. Look to see over three dozen modern additional RV sites and several other new amenities.

What's included in the new build? A screen-enclosed saline swimming pool with connected observation deck and lounge area, large playground area and air conditioning in the resort's pavilion for starters. Handicap-accessible boat tours are another new feature highlighted at the outdoor destination.  "Pondtoon" boat charters allow individuals with disabilities to navigate the water on vessels specially manufactured to accommodate wheelchairs. Additionally, RVC increased the number of RV sites on the property, nearly tripling the number of space available for RV travelers.

"When we opened the property in November 2010, it was important to us to first define our core audience and add amenities as our guests requested them," said Neil Sorrell, general manager at Live Oak Landing. "So, after talking to our guests, we pinpointed additions that will give them exactly what they're looking for in a memorable outdoor travel experience."

At Live Oak Landing, guests have access to Florida's Emerald Coast beaches and a wide range of onsite activities, including fishing charters, scooter, bicycle and boat rentals, and activities pavilion with a flat screen TV. Like other RVC Outdoor Destination properties you'll find concierge service, coffee, beer and wine bars, a dog park and a variety of lodging options from RV sites to cottages.

"What we're providing at RVC Outdoor Destinations is an upgraded version of what generally comes to mind when people think of camping," said Andy Cates, president of RVC Outdoor Destinations. "We're redefining the outdoor vacation experience by combining guests' favorite hotel amenities with their favorite outdoor activities, and it's really gaining popularity with both avid and novice campers alike."

Live Oak Landing is located along Black Creek in South Walton County at 229 Pitts Avenue in Freeport, Florida. For more information, visit www.liveoaklanding.rvcoutdoors.com.