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Port Orange Family Days Announces Pause as they Cancel 2026 Event

Updated: 14 hours ago

carnival with kids riding the swings

In a Facebook post and press release on July 16, 2026, Port Orange Community Trust (responsible for the annual Port Orange Family Days event) announced the following:


After more than three decades of bringing the community together, the Port Orange Community Trust (POCT) has announced that Family Days will take a strategic one-year pause in 2026. The decision follows careful consideration by the Board of Directors as the organization addresses logistical challenges and venue constraints while preserving the long-term quality, safety, and success of one of Volusia County’s most cherished traditions.


2026 Port Orange Family Days cancelled


For more than 30 years, Family Days has united families, businesses, civic organizations, volunteers, and visitors while serving as the Port Orange Community Trust’s signature fundraising event. Since its founding in 1995, the Trust has invested more than $1.5 million into charitable programs, nonprofit partnerships, scholarships, food pantry assistance, veterans’ programs, literacy efforts, senior services, arts and cultural initiatives, and other programs that improve the quality of life throughout Volusia County.


Why was the 2026 Port Orange Family Days event cancelled?


“This decision was not made lightly,” said Terry Fedea, President of the Port Orange Community Trust. “Family Days has been a cornerstone of our organization and our community for generations. While we’re disappointed that we won’t gather in 2026, this pause allows us to strengthen the event and ensure that when Family Days returns, it returns stronger than ever.”


Although Family Days will pause for one season, the Trust’s mission remains unchanged. During 2026, POCT will continue serving the community by:

• Maintaining an active volunteer presence at charitable, civic, and nonprofit events throughout Volusia County.

• Assisting local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations with volunteer support whenever possible.

• Continuing to invest in initiatives that strengthen and improve the quality of life for local residents.

• Planning for the return of Family Days in Fall 2027 with a renewed focus on long-term sustainability and an exceptional community experience.


The Port Orange Community Trust extends its sincere appreciation to its presenting sponsors, Halifax Health and the City of Port Orange, along with the many sponsors, vendors, volunteers, community partners, and residents whose support has made Family Days one of the region’s most recognized community celebrations.


“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our sponsors, volunteers, and community partners,” Fedea said. “Their generosity has helped the Trust invest more than $1.5 million back into our community. While Family Days will pause for one year, our commitment to serving Volusia County remains stronger than ever, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027.”


Port Orange Community Trust's Response

Port Orange Community Trust announced on July 16, 2026 in a Facebook post and press release that they have decided to cancel the 2026 Family Days event, traditionally held in October annually. In resposne to Facebook comments on their post questioning the decision and what challenges they face, POCT responded:


"The city is redoing the ballfields and the surrounding area that houses much of the event. The project begins in Sept and is estimated to take 8-10 months. Sadly, that leaves no room for an event. However, the new upgrades are going to be a nice addition to the community."


It should also be noted that POCT is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for the event. The annual event is not funded by the city of Port Orange.



About the Port Orange Community Trust


Founded in 1995, the Port Orange Community Trust is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities throughout Volusia County through charitable giving, volunteerism, strategic partnerships, and community events. Since its inception, the Trust has invested more than $1.5 million into programs and initiatives that enrich the lives of local residents.


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