By Kathy L. Collins
Valencia Lakes, an active adult community located at 16003 Valencia Club Dr. (North of Wal-Mart) in Wimauma, is hosting its 3rd Annual Free Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year, the festival will take place both inside the beautiful clubhouse and outside.
The Community is invited to come see over 40 artists and craftsmen from around the area display their beautiful works of art and creative crafts. In addition to the arts and crafts, there will be more than 20 local vendors on hand and great food from several food vendors. You can enjoy BBQ, Rocket Pockets, pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs. Food vendors will charge for the food, but parking and entry to the festival are free. In addition, you can receive free raffles for a big prize.
According to Rodney Davis, resident and member of the Arts and Crafts Committee, “We expect more than 2,000 people to enjoy the festival this year.”
On Sunday, October 6, Valencia Lakes will host a concert featuring the 60’s and 70’s era band, “Comfort Zone.” The band will perform a combination of harmony and songs from 60’s and 70’s. Tickets to the concert are $18 per person and can be purchased on Saturday at the Festival or on Sunday prior to the show.
The festival promises to once again be a fun, creative and lively annual event in the SouthShore area.
The two-day event is not just about arts, crafts and music, but it is also about community outreach. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Mary and Martha House, a 501(c) (3) located in Ruskin. Since 1982, the Mary and Martha House has been providing emergency shelter, transitional housing and support services to homeless and/or abused women and their children.
According to Davis, “We want to not only support the arts through this festival, but we also want to help a worthy non-profit that serves the local community.”
Davis added, “This festival would not be possible without our generous supporters, like Lakewood Toyota and GL Homes.” Costco, Sam’s Club and CVS are also supporters of the two-day event.
For more information on the 3rd Annual Free Arts and Crafts Festival, please visit www.valencialakesfestival.com. For more information on the Mary and Martha House, please visit www.marymarthahouse.org.
