A look at the Population & Steets in Barstow City can give you a good idea of the local people and culture. Many people from Bartow are Christian, but it is also common to find some African-American residents. The city is part of Polk County, Florida, and has a high percentage of evangelical Protestants. The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest denomination in Bartow, with a smaller proportion belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. Pentecostal/Charismatic churches are not as common, but they make up about a quarter of all churchgoers. This area was also home to the Lakeland revival, which attracted controversy and skepticism.
The town has eighteen parks, including Mary Holland Park, named after former Florida governor Spessard Holland. This park is an excellent destination for children, with three lakes, a skateboard park, and an overnight camping area. There are also several public parks, such as the Bartow Civic Center, a 31-acre complex that includes concert facilities and softball and baseball fields. Another park, Bartow Park, features a lighted track for remote control cars.
Residents of Bartow enjoy a wide variety of events and activities. Several annual festivals draw people from neighboring communities. For example, the Cricket Club Halloween Parade takes place every year. During the Fourth of July, the city holds a yearly celebration. The Bloomin' Arts Festival in March features live music, and the L.B. Brown House on L.B. Brown Avenue is host to a unique cultural event.