Even with the blustery weather, residents could eat homemade ice-cream, buy Native American keepsakes, listen to bluegrass and gospel music, look at old cars and see demonstrations of hand-made engines.

Saturday was the all-day conclusion to Heritage Days, which is held annually to commemorate the city's past.

Events included a bass fishing tournament, a city auction, Native American dancers, a mariachi band, a crafts fair, a live pony carousel and an antique car and tractor show.

Wilma Kyle, a resident of Michigan who is living in Davenport for two months, said she saw a Heritage Days brochure and decided to come for the quilt show and music. She and her husband also took time to look at the antique cars.

"This is a nice display of older cars," Kyle said.

Debbie Metcalf of Davenport has attended Heritage Days since the festivities started 23 years ago. She said her favorite parts are the crafts and the food.

"It's like the anniversary of Haines City," Metcalf said. "You get to see good friends."

Robert Turner of Lake Alfred and Mike Steen of Winter Haven were at the festival to assist the Haines City Fire Department and help operate the fire safety house for children.

Jo Ann Myers, a Michigan resident who currently is staying in Haines City, said that she, her husband and her dog, Abby, came to the festival for the entertainment.

"We came to listen to the music," Myers said.

Janet Switzer of Haines City said she liked the crafts and food, but she said her husband liked the cars and tractors on display.

The wind put a damper on the day, Switzer said, but rated the entertainment as being very good.

According to the National Weather Service, the winds were between 17 and 20 mph, but some gusts were as powerful as 31 mph. The temperature was around 65 degrees.

"I'm freezing," said 13-year-old Courtney Wiley, who is part of the Northridge Christian Academy middle school chorus, which sang during the festivities.

But Wiley said her favorite part of the day was singing and having the time of her life on stage.

kelly.mitchell@newschief.com