The City of Tavares, Florida - “America’s Seaplane City” - invites proposals from qualified individuals, firms, or organizations to organize, plan, promote, and manage the Ten (10) Year Reunion of Rifles, Rails & History, a Multi-day Living History Exhibition to be held in October 2027 in Tavares, Florida. The selected proposer will serve as the City’s event producer and will coordinate all facets of the exhibition in collaboration with designated City staff.
The City will provide up to $50,000 in funding (subject to budgetary appropriation) and in-kind support services such as but not limited to; outdoor downtown waterfront venue located at Wooton Park, Tavares, FL, restrooms/port-a-lets, barricades, electrical service, potable water, police and fire services to enable a safe, well‑executed, historically meaningful, and community‑focused event.
From 2013 through 2017, the City of Tavares hosted Rifles, Rails & History, a Living History Exhibition celebrating the region’s railroading heritage, military history, and broader cultural traditions from the late 19th Century. The event showcased reenactments, period encampments, educational demonstrations, rail‑related displays, live performances, children’s activities, vendors, and community partners, drawing residents and visitors to the City’s waterfront and downtown.
To commemorate the Ten (10) year anniversary since the event’s last staging, the City intends to present a Ten-Year Reunion of Rifles, Rails & History in October 2027. Recognizing both the event’s significance and the logistical complexity of producing a high-quality living history exhibition, the City seeks a qualified proposer to deliver a professional, safe, and engaging reunion aligned with the City’s brand, values, and community priorities.
