LAKE WALES ARTS FESTIVAL

50th Annual CB&T Lake Wales Arts Festival

A Q&A with LWAC Executive Director, Andrew Allen

Join the Lake Wales Arts Council for the 50th Annual CB&T Lake Wales Arts Festival! The festival will take place on the Shores of Lake Wailes from 10 am to 5 pm on February 20, and 10 am to 4 pm on February 21, 2021. The family-friendly, free-toattend arts festival is sponsored by Citizens Bank & Trust, Oakley Transport, Polk State College, Petersen Industries, and many more. Stay for even more fun, food, and art on February 20 from 6 pm to 9 pm for the 10th Annual Art-B-Que. We spoke with Lake Wales Arts Council Executive Director Andrew Allen to get the details on this year’s festivities.

H: Fifty years of the Annual CB&T Lake Wales Arts Festival is quite a milestone. Will there be any special events to celebrate throughout the festival this year?

AA: We will be hosting a special 50th celebration on Saturday night from 6 to 9 pm. The event will feature Blue Dog Craft Barbecue, live jazz, and an awards presentation.

H: What COVID-19 precautions will be taken to ensure the health and safety of artists and festival-goers?

AA: It is paramount for our guests to stay safe and healthy while enjoying the Lake Wales Arts Festival. The Lake Wales Arts Council has implemented a variety of new protocols, including mandatory masks for all staff, volunteers, and vendors, expanded event site for more social distancing between artist booths and hospitality, and hand sanitizing stations throughout the festival.

H: How many artists will be exhibiting this year, and what is the prize pool?

AA: The 50th annual Citizens Bank & Trust Lake Wales Arts Festival will feature over 50 artists from across the nation as they compete for up to $22,000 in awards.

H: Last year’s Art-B-Que event preceding the arts festival was Nashville-themed, complete with live music and tasty barbecue. What’s in store for this year’s 10th Annual ArtB-Que, and where can tickets be purchased?

AA: The Art-B-Que has moved to Saturday night as part of our 50th-anniversary celebration. The event is free to the public, and food and drink will be available for purchase. We are excited to welcome back Blue Dog Craft Barbecue and Grove Roots Brewing as our preferred food and beverage vendors. Guests can purchase VIP tickets for the festival, which include early admission into the Art-B-Que, all you can eat and drink, as well as access to our socially distanced luxury lounge.

H: In addition to fine art from artists around the country, the festival is always alive with music and great food. Who will be performing throughout the festival, and what food and beverage can guests expect?

AA: Guests can expect live jazz all weekend long. Artists from across the state will be performing, including worldclass performers from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens. We are excited to feature their talents at the Lake Wales Arts Festival.

We have a lot of great food options this year, including Taco Riendo, Chief’s Chill Out truck, Dave’s Jukebox Diner, and Tallulah’s Table by the Sea. The Arts Council will also be raising money for fine arts education scholarships during the event, selling soda and popcorn throughout the duration of the festival. We will have a little bit of everything for our guests during their visit.

H: We’ve heard the VIP experience is a must! What are VIP ticket prices, and what does that include?

AA: VIP tickets are $100 for the entire weekend. They include early admission into the Art-B-Que, all-inclusive food and beverage during the Art-B-Que, luxury lounge seating, free soda and popcorn throughout the weekend, and a VIP taco lunch on Saturday, and an ice cream social on Sunday.

H: Will there be activities for the kids?

AA: The Family Literacy Academy will be providing children’s activities throughout the entire festival. These activities will be prepackaged each day for families to take around Lake Wailes Park to complete. We will also have socially distant tables within the children’s activity tent.

For more event information or purchase VIP tickets, visit Lake Wales Arts Council’s website and social media. www.lakewalesartscouncil.org FB @LakeWalesArtsCouncil IG @lakewalesartscouncil