Vol. 117 (2004): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Krome Memorial Institute (Tropicals)

The Fairchild international mango festival: a model for community outreach

Noris Ledesma
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Published 2004-12-01

Keywords

  • mangifera indica,
  • extension services

Abstract

The Fairchild International Mango Festival (IMF) has been held at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for the past 13 years. The objectives of the IMF are twofold: 1) to promote the mango as a resource, and 2) to increase the level of education within general and expert audiences. Educational programs are presented to the local and international community to enhance the appreciation for the diversity of the mango, its wide range of flavours and uses, and a multitude of horticultural/ technical points of its production. The focus of the event is the living collection of more than 200 cultivars that represents considerable genetic diversity in mango. The IMF takes place in July during the peak of the mango season in South Florida. Through the Public Relations and Marketing Departments of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, we are able to capture the attention of the local, national and international press and deliver the latest in scientific and horticultural advances. Each year since its inception, the number of participants has increased. In 2003 there were 7000 participants. This program may serve as a model for community outreach programs with other fruits.