From the Mayor

from theMAYOR October means Ocala Arts Festival

BY MAYOR KENT GUINN

It’s hard not to love October in Ocala. The brisk, fall weather is reason enough to love this time of year, but it’s also when one of our community’s signature events takes place: The Ocala Arts Festival, now in its 55th year.

In 1966, the first Ocala Arts Festival began at the behest of a small group of citizens and that later led to the formation of the Fine Arts For Ocala organization, which has flourished in the decades since and helped make Ocala the arts destination it has grown into today. In my estimation, this may be the most anticipated festival we’ve had.

With the 2020 Ocala Arts Festival cancelled due to COVID-19, it’s been two years since the festival appeared in downtown Ocala and the pent up demand for this event is high. Something new this year is the hotel, which should make for an extra element adding to the already-strong vibe for this event.

All the artists from around the state and country will be here, able to take up lodging right next to their exhibits. I think about what a great experience it will be for any of the 25,000 visitors to spend some time on the second-floor terrace, looking down at the festival, certainly adding a new element.

When I think of this festival and organizations like FAFO or the Marion Cultural Alliance, I think about how important this art vibe is to Ocala, not just because it is a good time for everybody but also because it is part of what makes Ocala attractive for businesses who may want to relocate here.

At different event as part of my mayoral duties I’ve heard three different components that concern companies. The first concern normally has to do with a city’s downtown – companies desire a city with a vibrant, flourishing downtown because it reflects on the rest of the city. The second concern is a quality education system and the third concern is that a weak arts community reflects poorly on that town.

On these points, I know we can check off all three: Our downtown is doing amazing as is the rest of the community, our education system is doing great with a wonderful new superintendent that is helping to move us in the right direction, and our arts community has never been more vibrant, creative and prolific.

Ocala has never been more attractive for businesses than at this very moment and this year’s Ocala Arts Festival will provide some of the reasons why.

The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 23-24 at the downtown square. Over 150 artists from all over the country will be there to display and sell their art as well as compete for some of the $22,000 in award money. There will be live entertainment on two stages: Citizens Circle and the Downtown Gazebo.

While enjoying and purchasing art, visitors will also be able to take advantage of all the downtown restaurants and pubs as well as other food vendors and food trucks that will be parked at Citizens Circle.

It was 41 years ago that I went to this festival on a first date with the woman who would be my wife, creating fond memories and a special place in my heart for this event. Today, the event continues to get better and bigger, just like the great town in which we live.