BASINGER — The Heritage Association of Highlands County and the Okeechobee Historical Society will hold the 2026 Heritage Festival to celebrate history at the Pearce Homestead on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cowboy Church starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

The Pearce Homestead is located at 70 Boondock Road in Fort Basinger (US 98 at County Road 721). Admission is $10 per car.

Events include SAR color guard, Pearce family members speaking, music. food trucks, craft vendors, historical displays. balloon art, Toby’s Clowns, face painting, music, craft vendors, food trucks, local entertainment, Native Rescue Exhibit, Kids’ Zone, spinning & quilt display, Florida Cracker Trail Riders, house tours and the All American Car Show.

For an additional cost, guests can take a pontoon boat up the river to view the restoration project.

Edna was the third female legislator in Florida, a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) member, a cattlewoman, and a teacher. Her grandfather, John Mizell Pearce fought in the Seminole War and started a ferry service across the Kissimmee River.

For information, visit Heritage Association of Highlands Hammock on Facebook, or email nfisk1949@gmail.com.