Citrus County residents have a full calendar of community events this October, with fundraisers, festivals, craft fairs, and volunteer opportunities spread across Lecanto, Inverness, Homosassa, and Floral City. One event to note first: the “For the Love of Donna” cat adoption event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, at Humanitarians of Florida in Lecanto has been canceled, as the kittens in the care of Hardin Haven are not yet ready for adoption. Additionally, Hardin Haven, the cat rescue founded by Donna Schmid, will be closing at the end of 2026. The nonprofit still needs financial support through year’s end. Donations can be sent by check payable to Hardin Haven, Inc., at P.O. Box 924, Inverness, FL 34451-0924, or dropped off at Humanitarians of Florida, 1031 N. Commerce Terrace, Lecanto. Updates are available at facebook.com/HardinHaven.
This weekend brings two events on Saturday, Oct. 10. Coffee Corral in Floral City, located at 8431 E. Rosko Court, hosts Coffee and Convertibles from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Call 352-419-5801 for details. That same evening, the Rowing Organization of Citrus County Students holds its 12th annual Casino Night fundraiser from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at The Depot pavilion at Liberty Park in Inverness. The event features casino-style games, a silent auction, a 50/50 drawing, dinner, drinks, and live music. General admission is $40 and includes dinner, one drink ticket, games, $100 in casino chips, and four grand-prize tickets. VIP early entry is $100 and includes unlimited drinks, $200 in casino chips, and 10 grand-prize tickets. Call 352-354-3769 or email [email protected] to purchase tickets or become a sponsor.
Saturday, Oct. 17, is especially busy across the county, with five separate events taking place. Faith Lutheran Church hosts a Fall Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 935 S. Crystal Glen Drive in Lecanto, featuring a bake sale, craft sale, plant sale, and vendors offering jams, jellies, soaps, wreaths, woodworking, and quilts from the church Stitch and Tie group. Contact Vicki at [email protected] to sign up as a vendor. The Knights of Columbus Council 6168 and Our Lady of Grace Parish hold a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the council hall, 2389 W. Norvell Bryant Hwy. in Lecanto, offering a complimentary continental breakfast, e-gift cards, and donor appreciation tokens. Call LifeSouth at 352-527-3061 to donate. The West Citrus Elks Lodge at 4532 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa stages its Fall Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by the Ladies of the West Citrus Elks. Contact Terri Harrison at 352-410-9215 or [email protected] for details. Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 4705 W. Gulf To Lake Hwy. in Lecanto, launches its monthly Gyro Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., continuing on the third Saturday of each month. The Citrus County Master Gardener Volunteers also hold their 10th annual Plant Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the County Extension Office, 3650 W. Sovereign Path in Lecanto, featuring native plants, trees, shrubs, edibles, succulents, and houseplants, with an Ask a Master Gardener booth on site. Cash only, and service animals only are permitted.
Looking ahead, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is recruiting volunteers in Citrus County to provide free, in-person tax assistance beginning in the new year. No prior tax experience is required. Volunteers receive training and IRS certification. Retirees, college students, and professionals from all backgrounds are welcome. Study begins online in November and December. For more information, visit aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness, Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness, Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
