Mid-Winter Naturist Festival

An Overview of the Mid-Winter Naturist Festival with Morley Schloss

February 14-20th, 2013 at Sunsport Gardens, Florida

Photo Credit: Stephen Ziegler

Jordan and I will be attending the upcoming Mid-Winter Naturist Festival, right after we disembark from the Bare Necessities Nude Cruise.  We’re pretty excited about it!  It’ll be our first visit to Sunsport Gardens.  With over 280 different workshops and activities in the festival schedule, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.  So if you need a fun nakation in the sun, come check it out! 

This year’s festival will be its 25th anniversary. Did you attend the very first one? If so, is the festival today any different? What are some of the highlights from years past?

I believe that I have attended all the Midwinter Naturist Festivals at Sunsport. Originally the Naturist Society planned the program. At some point, I took over the production of the Festival. The Festival is now held more days with far more activities. We now have a more “New Age” flavor. For some time, highlights have included incredible performances by Armand and Angelina and Faerie Elaine Silver. We have always had a field trip to clothing-optional Haulover Beach and, for the last few years, “canuding” on the magical Loxahatchee River. We have drum circles each evening.

For the benefit of those who might have never attended it in years past, can you share with us what they should expect if they attend?

Pudding toss at the Mid-Winter Naturist Festival. [Photo Credit: Stephen Ziegler]

We call the Festival “Seven Days of Fun, Growth, and Community.” A caring community committed to exploration and growth develops, particularly for people able to attend the entire Festival. There will be approximately 290 activities during the seven days. Experiential workshops will focus on personal growth, health, spirituality, the arts, ecology and relationships. There is also a full schedule of activities for children. You can find a description of all the activities and Sunsport’s restaurant menu online at www.sunsportgardens.com. We usually have beautiful weather; the warmest February weather in the United States.

Sunsport has an 87 degree swimming pool, a large hot tub spa, a sauna, lots of sports activities including volleyball and tennis, a jungle nature trail, boating, a fitness center, and free wi-fi on 40 acres of lush, tropical vegetation.

Are any profits generated from the festival, and if so where do the funds go?

Registration fees beyond expenses are contributed to the Naturist Society and South Florida Free Beaches, the protector of Haulover Beach.

How many people usually attend? Where do they all come from mostly? What kind of people are they?

We expect over 300 people to attend the Festival. They come from all over North America. Naturists of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, etc. attend; most are interested in having fun, healthy living, and being part of our caring community. We do not attract people dependant upon alcohol or drugs for a good time. Sunsport is smoke-free except for a couple of out of the way designated smoking areas.

Photo Credit: Stephen Ziegler

YNA has been the center of controversy because we talk about sexuality, so with that in mind… with workshops on Polyamory and Tantric massage, would you consider this to be a naturist festival, or new age festival? And why?

This is a naturist, New Age type festival. In workshops, there will be talk of sexuality and relationships. However, there will be no sexual activity except in individual private accommodations. All activities in common areas will be appropriate to take place in the presence of children. Hugging, kissing, massage, holding hands are all OK; public overt sexual activity is not. Sunsport Gardens is a family naturist resort; 14 children now live at Sunsport, and many others regularly visit. We do welcome expressions of loving relationships.

Is there anything people should not forget to bring?

Bring a tent unless you plan to rent a furnished tent at Sunsport or stay at a nearby hotel. All Sunsport’s rental cabins, trailers and rooms are already taken. You will also need towels and, in case we get a cool night, something warm. A picture ID such as a drivers license is required. Sunsport’s restaurant serves healthy, plentiful meals, but you can bring your own food if you wish. Sunscreen is available in the Sunsport office, although you can bring your own. If you are flying in, I suggest making your flight reservations as soon as possible.

Are you doing anything different / special to mark this 25th year anniversary?

The Festival is one day longer than usual. Also, we will show a collection of popular movies which include nude scenes as an integral part of the plot. We are happy that YNA is joining us this year.

Is there anything you would like to add or say that we did not ask?

Daily ground fees are only $6 for people aged 18-30 who have a membership card from YNA (or another naturist group for young adults), a student ID, or are members of the Naturist Society. Please join us for a memorable week.

To learn more about what to expect at this festival, click here to read my review of the Northeast Naturist Festival. 

Young Naturists & Nudists America

Category: Felicity's Nudist Blog By Felicity Jones