53rd Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival: February 23-25
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Lake Wales Arts Festival: February 23-25, 2024!**
*Celebrating 53 Years of Artistic Excellence*
*Presented by Citizens Bank & Trust in partnership with Blossom Charitable Foundation*
Lake Wales, FL (January 31, 2024) - The Lake Wales Arts Council is thrilled to announce the eagerly awaited 53rd Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival, a spectacular showcase of artistic brilliance that has been an integral part of Lake Wales for over half a century. Against the stunning backdrop of the Shores of Lake Wailes, this festival promises a weekend filled with artistic enchantment.
Greg Littleton, President and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust of Lake Wales, spoke of the festival's significance, stating, "The Lake Wales Arts Festival is such a staple of Lake Wales. When people think about Lake Wales, they think about the art show, and we are proud of our nearly 20-year association with the event. We love the fact that the Lake Wales Arts Festival is family-friendly and is all weekend long. It’s a fun event beginning on Friday night with the Art-B-Que, and then all of the events that happen on Saturday and Sunday. It’s just a lot of fun.”
Tommy Frank, the Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council, expressed the profound impact of the festival, saying, "The Lake Wales Arts Festival is not just an event; it's a celebration of creativity, inspiration, and community. For 53 years, this festival has been a cultural cornerstone, bringing together artists, art enthusiasts, and families to experience the transformative power of the arts."
The festival aligns perfectly with the mission of the Lake Wales Arts Council, enriching the lives of all Central Florida residents by providing innovative arts education programs and world-class performance and visual arts experiences. This commitment aims to nurture appreciation for the arts, inspire curiosity and creativity, and cultivate a thriving cultural arts community in Central Florida.
Jessica Garrett, President of the Lake Wales Arts Council board of directors and co-chair of the Lake Wales Arts Festival steering committee, emphasized the festival's role in fostering community engagement and supporting local artists. Garrett stated, "This festival is a testament to the vibrant arts community we've cultivated over the years. It's a platform for artists to showcase their talent, and it's an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage."
**Sponsorship and Patron Opportunities:**
The 53rd Annual Lake Wales Arts Festival is presented by title sponsor Citizens Bank & Trust, in partnership with presenting sponsor Blossom Charitable Foundation, Inc. Additional support comes from Visit Central Florida and the Florida Division of Arts & Culture. The festival extends an invitation to businesses and individuals to become part of this cultural extravaganza by exploring various sponsorship opportunities, aligning their brand with a cherished community event while supporting the arts.
**Festival Highlights:**
- **Dates:** February 23-25, 2024
- **Location:** Shores of Lake Wailes, Lake Wales, FL
- **Awards:** Over $22,000 in prize money
**Schedule of Events:**
- **Friday, February 23: Art-B-Que Kick-off Event, 5-9 PM**
- **Saturday, February 24: 10 AM - 5 PM**
- **Sunday, February 25: 10 AM – 4 PM**
**Tickets Now On Sale:**
- **Art-B-Que Kick-off Event: Friday, February 23: 5-9 PM**
- **LWAF Beverage Crawl: Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, Feb 25: 11 AM-3 PM**
**Art-B-Que Kick-off Event:**
The festival kicks off with the 11th Annual Art-B-Que, a festive evening by the shores of Lake Wailes featuring food, drinks, live entertainment, and a cash bar. The schedule includes a Happy Hour at 5 PM, Dinner at 6 PM, and Live Music from 7-9 PM.
**LWAF Patron’s Program and Lounge:**
Nestled under the oak trees near the Artist Exhibitors’ area is the Patron’s Lounge tent, a comfortable space for Patron’s Program supporters to enjoy highlights from the Festival, including intimate artist talks and demonstrations, live local music, refreshments, and climate-control restroom facilities.
**LWAF Beverage Crawl:**
Amidst the tents of talented artists, the Beverage Crawl offers delightful selections from Florida-area breweries and wineries. Attendees can enjoy samples at five beverage tents throughout the festival grounds.
**LWAF Children & Family Tent:**
The festival ensures a family-friendly environment with free opportunities for children, including hands-on art projects sponsored by the Family Literacy Academy of Lake Wales, pottery wheel demonstrations, an instrument petting zoo sponsored by Sandy's Music Girls, Kids Tag Art sponsored by the Joe G. Tedder Polk County Tax Collector's Office, and more.
For more information about the event, sponsorship, patron opportunities, and event tickets, visit [Lake Wales Arts Council](https://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org/lake-wales-arts-festival-2024).
**About Lake Wales Arts Council:**
The Lake Wales Arts Council is a vibrant hub for artistic expression and cultural enrichment in the heart of Florida. With a mission to foster creativity and engagement, the Arts Council offers a range of programs, events, and exhibitions that inspire and uplift the community.
For more information, contact the Lake Wales Arts Council at 863-676-8426, info@lw-arts.org, or visit the website at [lw-arts.org](https://www.lakewalesartscouncil.org).
For media inquiries, please contact:
**Tommy Frank**
Lake Wales Arts Council, Executive Director
Email: tommy@lw-arts.org
Phone: 863-676-8426
