City of Lake Wales issued the following announcement on Dec. 9
The 50th annual Lake Wales Arts Festival is a go.
City commissioners unanimously approved the show’s permit application from the Lake Wales Arts Council, the event’s sponsor, which will be held Feb. 20 and 21 along the shore of Lake Wailes.
Arts Council Executive Director Andrew Allen outlined some of the health measures that will be in place, including more green space for better social distancing, more personal hygiene stations, and a one-way flow of patrons visiting artist’s booths and vendors.
“We will have signage,” Allen said, about making sure everyone understands the new safety guidelines. “And all of our print and digital marketing will make tourists aware they will be wearing masks and socially distancing, so everyone is aware three to four months ahead of time what’s to be expected of them.”
The show, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday usually has about 500 or less people at any one time, Allen said, and has a daily attendance that can grow to as large as 4,000.
Since the City entered into a State of Emergency last spring there the City has not issued any special event permits. In November the City started allowing smaller events such as Main Street’s Farmers Market. The Art Show will be the first large-scale event in Lake Wales since February.
Commissioners said they were happy to see the show go forward with increased safety precautions in place.
“You’ve proven that you’ve taken the responsibility by what you’re planning to do, so I feel as though we can go forward with it.” Mayor Eugue Fultz said.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said it’s a balancing act, but that he too was pleased with the additional steps being taken to help insure the safety of visitors and vendors.
“I’m good with it. With the evolution of this thing, it’s obvious the country wants it both ways. We want to open up but we want to do it safely,” Gibson noted. “I think anyone who comes before us and wants an event, we would say yes provided it’s done safely. The extraordinary steps they are taking to do it safely, they’ve earned the right to do the event.”
Added commissioner Curtis Gibson, “I think it’s great. I think we need to have it.”
As many as 100 local, state and national artists are expected to have their works on display, competing for a prize pool of $22,000. The event will also feature live jazz music and a VIP village. Volunteers, local service club members and off-duty Lake Wales police department officers will help provide security and compliance of CDC coronavirus recommendations.
“It’s about time to move forward and let the people get out.,” Commissioner Al Goldstein added.
To volunteer or for more information visit lakewalesartscouncil.org and sign up for the newsletter.
Original source can be found here.
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