Isabella McKee, 9, sat on Roxy’s back, swaying and smiling as the Asian elephant thumped along a circular path.
The ride was fun, she said, but a little smelly. And not at all scary.
“I felt relaxed since it’s a slow animal,” she said. “So, like, it wouldn’t run off.”
The inaugural Gainesville Community Fest offered a variety of activities Saturday — including a chance to ride an elephant — for families, students and business owners.
The eclectic nature of the festival, which was similar to a farmers market, a craft fair and a children’s birthday party rolled into one, drew about 3,500 people to the Alachua County Fairgrounds.
Families meandered through a rainbow of tents. Children with snow-cone-stained lips tugged their parents’ hands, moving them through a plethora of playthings. Kids played laser tag, pet goats and made buttons, among other activities.
Inside an exhibition hall, a few vendors sold smoothies, flowers, muffins and other treats. About 70 organizations, such as the North Central Florida YMCA and Fun 4 Gator Kids, handed out pamphlets, pens and other goodies.
Adults sipped on Budweisers while they shopped at outdoor tents full of jewelry, art and T-shirts set up by Gainesville business owners.
GainesvilleActivities.com sponsored the event to showcase nearby businesses, organizations and nonprofits, said organization president and CEO Richard Dreher.
Dreher said he thought the event went well, even though a thunderstorm shut it down about an hour early.
Brian Scarborough, dad of 5-year-old Lucy, who had a purple tiara painted on her forehead, said he plans to bring his family again next year.
“Bounce houses and face paint,” he said. “What more could you want?”
Contact Julia Glum at jglum@alligator.org.
Brothers Murdolph Jones, 7, and Malaqhi Jones, 5, play in bumper balls at the Gainesville Community Fest on Saturday afternoon.
