Relive the Past at the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Big Cypress Shootout

SEMINOLE WAR REENACTMENT, HISTORIC AND CULTURAL DISPLAYS HIGHLIGHT THE
BIG CYPRESS SHOOTOUT

WHAT: The Seminole Tribe of Florida will present a reenactment of the Second Seminole War at the Big Cypress Shootout at Billie Swamp Safari located between Fort Lauderdale and Naples, on the Big Cypress Reservation just north of I-75 (Alligator Alley) Exit 49.

The battle reenactments honor the Seminole’s struggle and sacrifice to remain in their homeland and will feature authentic weapons, soldier and warrior attire and tactics typical of the Second Seminole War.

The three-day event will also include music, Seminole food, Seminole and pioneer artisans, tomahawk throws, primitive archery competition, authentic Seminole and soldier camps, venomous snake shows and alligator wrestling. “Period settlers” from around the country will hew wood, iron and silver crafts and depict trading techniques from the Seminole war era.

Musical guests include: Okefenokee Joe, Benjamin Dehart (The Cracker Tenor) and Cowbone.

WHEN: Friday, February 25 through Sunday, February 27, 2011
The battle reenactments will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

WHERE: Billie Swamp Safari, located between Fort Lauderdale and Naples, on the Big Cypress Reservation just north of I-75 (Alligator Alley) Exit 49.

WHO: In the 1830’s, the United States was attempting to enforce its policy of Indian removal. The Seminoles were facing the loss of their homeland and their freedom. After broken treaties and failed peace parleys, the Seminoles took up arms against removal. The US Government thought they could quickly overpower the Seminoles and waged the fiercest of all wars ever waged between the US Government and Native Peoples. They burned settlements and captured, killed and scattered many Seminole families. This seven year war cost more than the American Revolution and involved 52,000 soldiers fighting against less than 2,000 warriors. The Seminoles fought with courage and determination and had a unique knowledge of the land. Although many Seminoles were killed or removed to present-day Oklahoma, they were never defeated, and to this day their 3500 descendants are known as “The Unconquered” Seminole Tribe of Florida.

COST: $7 adults, $5 children
CASH ONLY

CONTACT: For more information, call: 1-800-GO-SAFARI, email: shootout@semtribe.com or visit us online at www.bigcypressshootout.com.

“COME AS YOU AREN’T” AND
GET 50% OFF AT BILLIE SWAMP SAFARI

BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE RESERVATION, FL. (September 10, 2009) – Look out! They are lurking about! Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation in the Florida Everglades is offering a discount of 50 percent off the regular ticket price of a Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour if you come dressed in a Halloween costume the entire month of October.

“Wear your favorite Halloween costume and bring your “ghoul” friends,” said Ed Woods, director of Billie Swamp Safari. This promotional offer cannot be combined with any other offer and is good for the entire month of October 2009.

Hang around for a spell and experience the wonders of the Florida Everglades as you visit land that has been preserved for your enjoyment. The Seminoles treat the land with reverence and work hard to preserve the natural environment. As a result, the wonders of the Florida Everglades continue to bring joy to visitors from around the world.

A true Everglades experience, Swamp Buggy Eco-tours and Airboat Rides are offered daily. Visitors can travel high above Florida’s untamed Everglades on a swamp buggy or glide effortlessly along a trail on an airboat. Witness first-hand the ecosystem of a land on the edge of civilization and the solitary beauty of tropical hardwood hammocks, cypress domes and abundant flora and fauna. Marvel at native and exotic wildlife from the rare Florida panther to alligators and crocodiles, deer, antelope, bison, snakes, southern razorback hogs and many species of birds.

A Snake & Alligator Show and the Swamp Critter Show are also scheduled daily. They combine entertainment and education and feature many animals and reptiles on an up-close and personal level.

The Big Cypress Seminole Reservation is located midway between Fort Lauderdale and Naples off I-75 (Alligator Alley). Take I-75 to exit 49, then drive north 19 miles. For further information, please call 800/GO-SAFARI or 863/983-6101. Visit us online at www.billieswampsafari.travel.

Happy Halloween, whatever you are!

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