Each year the Great American Cooter Festival is bigger and better than ever, with new events and activities for the entire family.

The last full weekend of October brings Sunny Cooter out of his turtle shell for three days of non-stop fun. Leading up to this are the Miss Cooter and Cooter Idol competitions. These contests pit the best spokesmodels and singers, respectively, against each other. Cash and prizes go to the winners.

The Great American Cooter Festival has enjoyed national attention that began with this memorable Daily Show segment on publicity surrounding the first festival in 2004. It continues to grow with community support, and in 2009, the City began a partnership with the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce to plan the most exciting Cooter Fest to date.

Seeing one of the largest crowds in recent memory, the lastest Cooter Fest -- October 23-25 -- featured great bands, hot air balloon rides, a beer tent, car show, and other activities. Go to www.cooterfestival.com to view more photos, and video galleries of the fun.

And mark your calendars...the 2010 Great American Cooter Festival returns Oct. 29-31. See you in the fall.