A ''cooterrific" event returning to Citrus County

Inverness, Florida -- The Great American Cooter Fest is returning to Citrus County, from October 23 - 25.

The festival takes its name after the area's local turtles.

The excitement will begin Friday evening in downtown Inverness with two live bands, the Mighty Mongos and Lucky Penny, as well as the Miss Cooter pageant. Admission is free, and attendees are advised to bring a picnic table and be ready to dance. Also available tickets ($40 each) to the VIP tent with reserved seating, drinks and catered food, as well as limited reserved seats for $5.

On Saturday and Sunday, the festivities will shift to Liberty Park and Wallace Brooks Park. Spread over the two days are a cornucopia of things to see and do, including live bands, the finals of the Cooter Idol singing competition, the annual BBQ cook-off, hot air balloon rides, food, crafts, a beer garden and much more.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be the chance to see the world’s largest traveling collection of Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trophy, as well as stage apparel, guitars, gold records and other exclusive items. Present to greet fans and sign autographs will be Lee Wilkeson, musician and son of Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Leon Wilkeson; Gene Odom, childhood friend of the bandmates and head of security for Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Rolling Stones; Marlene Wilkeson Lusk, sister of bassist Leon; and Mitch Simmons, musician and nephew of bassist Wilkeson.

Lee Wilkeson and Mitch Simmons will perform onstage Saturday, October 24 at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 25 at Wallace Brooks Park, with Cajun Dave Becnel from New Orleans. Billy Webb, a long time friend of Gene Odom will also have his private collection of rare photos and DVDs for display and purchase.

More information on the Cooter Festival is available at CooterFestival.com. The Cooter Festival is hosted by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Inverness.