HISTORIC HIBERNIA ARTS FESTIVAL

St. Margaret's Episcopal Church is the oldest Episcopal Church in Clay County. It is located on Fleming Island along the St. John's River in the part of the island known as "Hibernia" after the plantation of that name founded by the Fleming family in the 1840s. After the Civil War, the plantation became a famous year round resort with the little family chapel serving guests and locals alike. The chapel's first official service was the funeral of Margaret Fleming in 1878. The family's history has been memorialized in Eugenia Price's famous novel Margaret's Story (which will be available for purchase at the festival).


The Arts Festival celebrates this special place and time in Florida history with tours of the old chapel and its beautiful cemetery led by costumed docents, re-enactors from the Civil War era, musical interludes on the Parish Hall veranda and lots of other activities and demonstrations.


The Festival also includes artists and craftspeople from all over the area located on the Green of our new church building, historical archives on display in the church, a used books and tapes sale, a silent auction of goods and services inside the parish hall, games and activities for the children on our sandy playground and many other surprises and interesting displays.


Of course, there is also food and drink of all kinds, a bake sale and collectibles booths all around this shady and serene setting nestled in the heart of our vibrant community of Fleming Island.


Visitors are invited to come and experience a taste of old Florida while learning about the local history and enjoying the amenities of our island lifestyle. St. Margaret's 6th Annual Historic Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. For more information or for how to participate in next year's event, please call the church office at: (904) 284-3030.