Spring is here, which can only mean that it’s once again time for the annual Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival! This local favorite will take place on Saturday, April 8 in beautiful downtown Sopchoppy. Whether worm gruntin’ runs in your blood or you’ve never heard of it before, it’s sure to be an event to remember.
Learn all about worm gruntin’ straight from the experts
If you’re new to the practice of worm gruntin’, then there’s no better place to experience it for the first time than at this action-packed festival. In the days before grocery stores and restaurants, rural Floridians along the coast relied on fishing as the main source of sustenance. Of course, being successful at fishing requires bait, and that’s where worm gruntin’ comes in.
People learned that if you stick a wooden stake into the ground and rub it with something that caused vibrations, such as a piece of iron, worms would mistake the vibrations for predatory moles and rise to the surface to escape. Then, they could easily be collected and used to support fishing for the growing communities in the area.
Not only will you get to see expert demonstrations at the festival, but there’s also a fantastic Worm Gruntin’ contest that’s just for the kids. It’s the perfect celebration to connect the past, present and future!
A great time for everyone
The festival may be inspired by worm gruntin’, but that’s far from the only excitement at this annual spring event. The day kicks off with a 5K for adults and kids that will take you through some of the most picturesque country roads in northern Florida. Throughout the festival there will be more contests, and astounding arrays of local arts and crafts vendors, and plenty of food and live entertainment. And as the sun begins to set, you can hit the dance floor with your friends and family at the traditional Worm Grunters’ Ball.
For more information on the event, to register for the 5K, or to see a full list of all the entertainers, you can go to the festival’s website.
Experience one of the most unique events in one of the most unique places in America
It’s safe to say that there’s nothing quite like the Worm Gruntin’ Festival, which makes it the perfect celebration for a place as unique as Wakulla County. After the festival, there’s still so much more for you to see and experience in our beautiful natural environment, so choose from one of the many lodging opportunities in the area and start planning your Wakulla experience today!
