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Boomtown Days
April 10, 2018
Before you Explore: Rainbow River
July 20, 2018

Welcome to Horse Country

Published by Julie Mancini at July 20, 2018
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On Thursday June 14, Farms Tours of Ocala celebrated its membership in the Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association with a ribbon cutting at the chamber offices in Dunnellon. Pictured from left to right is DCBA board member David Fowler of Assured Home Inspections, Amy Sharkey of the Greater Dunnellon Historical Society, board member Sandra Gerhard of the Volunteer Thrift Store, Bobbie Haluska, Hannah Peters of American Tactical Firearms, Amy Michel or Kelly's Auto Repair Service, Kathleen Wallace, Diane Ward holding Wesley the horse, and Ocala Farm Tours owner Karen Grimes.

Karen Grimes, a realtor who founded Farm Tours of Ocala six years ago, holds her horse Wesley before the ribbon cutting at the DCBA on June 14. Grimes’s tours accommodate up to 17 people per tour and visit three different farms.

“I love horses for their beauty and their loyalty,” said Farm Tours of Ocala owner Karen Grimes. “They are majestic.”

Grimes has been operating Farm Tours of Ocala for six years. Grimes had been a realtor when the market crashed and she decided to create a new career for herself.

On Mondays through Saturdays Grimes takes up to 17 people on tours of three farms. The tours last 3 and ½ hours, and the tour’s content varies depending on the time of year, but one thing is certain, participants get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Marion County the “Horse Capital of the World.”

On June 14, Grimes celebrated her membership in the Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association with a ribbon cutting at the chamber office. Wesley, her horse, attended the ribbon cutting too! We learned a little bit about Wesley that day, and horses in general, from Grimes and her two helpers, Diane Ward and Kellye Egan. (Ward and Grimes go way back; she gave Grimes riding lessons when Grimes was growing up in New Jersey; Egan is currently a neighbor).

A horse’s lifespan is about 30 years. An American Thoroughbred weighs about 1000 pounds. Wesley was named after the main character in the movie, The Princess Bride. Wesley, who is 18 years old, has been with Grimes since he was two.

Grimes has also continued her realty career. You can check out her listings on www.ocalahorsecountry.com

To schedule a tour, go to www.farmtoursofocala.com or call 352-895-9302.

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20500 E Pennsylvania Ave.
Dunnellon, FL 34432
(352) 489-2320

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Ribbon Cutting Policy

DCBA ribbon cuttings are available to Chamber Members Monday – Thursday between the hours of 11 AM – 5 PM and MUST be confirmed and approved in advance by the Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association, so, that we may cerify the availability of the Dunnellon Chamber officials and the materials for the event.

Saturday or Sunday Ribbon cuttings are not available currently due to staffing constraints.

Please be sure to send all information pertaining to the ribbon cutting to the Chamber at least 3 weeks in advance of your scheduled ribbon cutting.  So, that there will be enough time for social media postings and email blasts.

Investing in the Chamber

There are many opportunities for your business to make a difference in Dunnellon, FL.  Consider donating to one of our scholarships or lend a hand in helping us make improvements.

Scholarships
Business Membership – Give the gift of membership to another business. $150 annually.
 Civic Membership – Give the gift if civic membership to a non-profit. $60 annually.
Individual Membership – Give the gift of an individual membership to another person. $30 annually.

Lend a Hand
Business Recovery Fund.  You may donate any amount to help an local business after an emergency.  This donation can be made at any time and will be disbursed after an emergency occurs.
Builder’s Club.  You may donate any amount to help the Chamber with repairs of its building.