Lake Wales Arts Festival Highlights the Weekend on the Ridge

Art lovers from across central Florida are expected to flock to the shores of Lake Wailes this weekend for the 54th annual Lake Wales Arts Festival, which takes place Saturday and Sunday under the shade of the live oaks.

The juried show will feature scores of artists displaying artistic creations in multiple categories. Prize awards and purchase prizes totaling thousands of dollars await the winners chosen by judges.

The art will be exhibited from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

The show has been held on the shores of the lake each spring, and has drawn top artists from across the nation to exhibit their paintings, sculptures, stained glass, pottery, and numerous other art forms.

"The Lake Wales Arts Festival embodies this community's deep-rooted dedication to creativity and the Arts,” said Lake Wales Arts Council Executive Director Tommy Frank. “From its modest origins the festival has grown into a cherished tradition for both residents and visitors."

"One of the newer interactive parts of the Family Activity Area is the Instrument Petting Zoo presented by Sandy's Music Girls,” Frank said. “It's a chance for everyone to try their hand at stringed instruments; everything from guitars and banjos to dulcimers and mandolins. And it's led by many of the girls, young women and instructors of the program."

The event kicks off with the annual Art-B-Cue, which begins at 5 p.m. on Friday at the site of the festival. Attendees enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, two beverage tickets, and live entertainment.

"Art-B-Que is one of my favorite events during the Arts Festival weekend, bringing together patrons and artists who may only re-connect once a year,” Frank said.

The schedule for the entire event is:

Friday: 5-9 p.m.

Art-B-Que - an annual event that is a welcome dinner for our artist exhibitors as well as sponsors and local supporters. It's a fun evening of great food, live music and camaraderie down at the shores of Lake Wailes Park.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

10 a.m.

Festival Opens with Student Art Show Awards;

Location: Community Hospitality Tent

• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Hands-on Art Activities, Polk County Kids Tag Art, & Pottery Tryouts; Location: F a.m.ily Art Activity Tent

• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tasting Trail; Location: Tasting Trail Tents

• 12 - 2 p.m.

Performance: Sandy’s Music Girls; Location: Community Hospitality Tent

• 2 - 3 p.m.

Performance: Silver Belles; Location: Community Hospitality Tent

• 3 - 3:30 p.m.

Performance: Maribeth Mundell; Location: Community Hospitality Tent

• 4 p.m.

Exhibitor Booths Close for the Day

• 4 p.m.

Artist Awards & Happy Hour; Location: Community Hospitality Tent

• Sunday: 10 a.m. Festival Opens

• 10:30 - 11 a.m. Performance: Maribeth Mundell; Location: Community Hospitality Tent

• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tasting Trail; Location: Tasting Trail Tents

• 12 - 1 p.m.

Performance: Sandy’s Music Girls; Location: Community Hospitality Tent

• 12 - 4 p.m.

Hands-on Art Activities, Instrument Petting Zoo, & Pottery Tryouts; Location: F a.m.ily Art Activity Tent

• 1 - 2 p.m.

Performance: Arkansas Trainwreck; Location: Community Hospitality Tent

• 2 - 3 p.m.

Performance: Dot Reiser; Location: Community Hospitality Tent

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Hands-on Art Activities, Polk County Kids Tag Art, & Pottery Tryouts; Location: F a.m.ily Art Activity Tent