Five cities were recently spotlighted by the Holmes County Tourist Development Council, which highlighted the cities’ unique histories, features and events.
The City of Bonifay is described as a “charming” place with many historical sites, including a 19th-century log cabin and a 1920s mansion. The article highlights the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo, held in October. The Rodeo, which began in 1946, is a Ram Rodeo series sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Other annual events include the Down Home Street Festival in March and the Holmes County Outdoor Expo in September.
The article about the Town of Esto shares information about the history and the legend surrounding an alligator monster with two toes after being caught in a trap. Esto celebrates the legend annually with a Two-Toe Tom Festival. Esto is also highlighted for its Daniel Boone Trail. The Town is ranked as a top 10 “winningest” location for the lottery.
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The Town of Noma article mentions the Town’s namesake is the Noma Mill Company. Across from the town hall is a park that was renamed after the deceased former Mayor Robert “Buddy” Skipper. A monument and a pavilion were dedicated in his honor. The article highlights the annual gathering of volunteers to make fruit baskets for residents and the annual holiday meal.
The Town of Ponce De Leon article spotlights Ponce De Leon Springs State Park, which offers areas for swimming, biking, hiking, picnicking and jogging. The article also shares information about Vortex Springs, one of the largest diving facilities in the state. It was founded by the person who invented the red and white “diver down” flag for scuba diving. Vortex Springs, which covers more than 500 acres, offers diving, dive training, swimming and sliding on water slides.
The Town of Westville is highlighted as the brief home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the “Little House” series of books. Wilder’s daughter, Rose, later wrote a fictionalized short story titled “Innocence” about their time in Florida. The article shares information about former resident George William Curry, also known as Uncle Willie, who would ferry horses and wagons with a cable from one side of the Choctawhatchee River to the other.