Mixon Harvest Festival is this weekend in Bradenton

There are plenty of reasons to visit Bradenton's Mixon Fruit Farm any time of the year. But if you're going to choose one weekend to stop by, this would be a good one.

This year's Mixon Harvest Festival is set for Saturday and Sunday.

The festival offers two days packed with shows, games, food and activities. Among the highlights this year are the Loomis Brothers Circus with their new show that includes six tigers and three elephants. Also on tap are race car driver Scott Lagasse Jr. with one of his cars, elephant rides pony rides, bungee jumping, a climbing wall and bounce houses.

There's also a full lineup of live entertainment. On Saturday the schedule is: 9 a.m. Wakeland Chorus & Dance; 9:30 a.m. Southeast Orchestra; 10:30 a.m. Southeast Guitar Ensemble; 11 a.m. Bella School of Ballroom Dance; 12:30 p.m. Starfire Dancers; 2 p.m. Manatee School of Arts Dance; 3:30 p.m. Can't Turn Left Band.

Sunday's entertainment lineup is: 10:30 a.m. Diamonds & Pearls Dance Team; 11:15 a.m. Shifts End Singers; 12:30 p.m. Salute to America; 1:30 p.m. Caitlin; 3:30 p.m. Can't Turn Left Band.

New this year is "Mixon's Kids Gamin' Grove." It features citrus-themed games, including Orange Pickers Toss, Juicin' Bottle Bust and Whippin' Fruit and many more. Kids can also pretend to farm on real tractors, and interact with animals.

Most activities are free once you pay the admission price, but there's a small charge for some others.

Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 22-23, Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. Tickets: $3 a person, $5 for a couple, free to children ages 11 and younger. Information: 941-748-5829 or mixon.com.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published November 20, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Mixon Harvest Festival is this weekend in Bradenton."