It's not football season, but it is time for Homecoming in one North Central Florida town.

Some came as far as Minnesota. Others Texas.

In all, more than 200 friends, family, and neighbors gathered for one reason...to celebrate their Hawthorne heritage.

Hawthorne's 79th annual Homecoming celebration kicked off its weekend festivities today.

The opening ceremony included Bar-B-Q dinners, gospel singing, and praise dancing.

Hometown residents say this weekend is one they would not miss.

The festival ends on Saturday. It's open to the public.