Last week's 2025 Bartram Living History Festival, hosted by the St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department, beckoned hundreds to Alpine Groves Park for a journey through time. The Office of Public Affairs marked the occasion with a video, now circulating social media and offering glimpses into an event that provided education on the historical tapestry of the region. This year's gathering, as reported on Friday by the St. Johns County Government's website, showcased an array of historical interpreters and activities designed to engage all ages in the rich narrative of St. Johns County.
Known in past years as the "Bartram Bash," the festival's new iteration expanded its range with more interpreters stationed along the riverfront, demonstrating crafts like blacksmithing. Kelly Ussia, Outdoor Recreation Supervisor, noted the importance of the event, saying, “I love putting on the Bartram Living History Festival, because it shines a light on all of our unique history here in St. Johns County”, in a statement acquired by the St. Johns County Government. Visitors not only got to absorb history through these presentations but also indulged in local flavors offered by Salt Run BBQ Food Truck and Sour Filly Drink Truck.
A mainstay of the event, Mike Adams, who has portrayed the explorer William Bartram since the festival's early days, echoed a sense of collective triumph. "What we had this year, in 2025, was just the best one yet, for sure," Adams told the St. Johns County Government. His words underscored a sentiment felt by many participants—festival-goers left with an enhanced appreciation for the historical experiences offered at the scenic Alpine Groves Park.
The event did not only serve as a dynamic educational forum but also as a communal space for residents and visitors alike to share in the historical wealth of the county. Looking ahead, Kelly Ussia expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, "We’ve built on all the things that we did in 2024, and I’m so excited to wait and see what comes next year," as per the St. Johns County Government's release. This optimism suggests that the 2025 Bartram Living History Festival may have set new precedents for how history is celebrated and taught in St. Johns County.
