Each year the festival choses to a theme that helps promote our celebration. Themes can be historical or fun, and they help keep the celebration fresh while offering a way in which festival goers can participate in a more immersive experience. This year's theme is, "Wild about Hendry County."

On May 11, 1923, the Florida Legislature voted to establish Hendry County, in honor of Captain Francis Hendry.  At its roots, the development of Hendry County stemmed from pioneering the wilderness.  It was the work of early settlers such as trading post owner Pierre Denaud, and it's namesake cattle rancher Francis A. Hendry who laid the foundation of what would be our home.  Some other notable influences that brought success to the area were industrialists: Thomas Edison, Hendry Ford and Harvey Firestone, making many trips to Hendry county by way of the Caloosahatchee River.

You will see this theme pervasive throughout the local competitions and celebrations of the festival such as the Swamp Cabbage Queen Pageant, Swamp Stomp 5k, or the Grand Parade.

How many native species can you name that reside in Hendry County?