The Hernando De Soto Historical Society produces the De Soto Food & Music Festival along with many other community events! The Hernando De Soto Historical Society is a not-for-profit community organization of 175 volunteer members who celebrate the historical significance of the 1539 landing of Spanish Explorer Hernando de Soto on the Manatee River. While Keeping de Soto’s legacy alive, the Hernando De Soto Historical Society produces Manatee County’s largest entertainment events each year, culminating with the De Soto Heritage Festival, now over 80 years old!