The Third Annual Lakeland Arts and Crafts Festival brought its largest turnout yet last weekend at Lakeland Town Square, attracting an estimated 3,000 to 3,500 attendees over the five-hour event according to organizers.
More than 80 vendors lined Phase 2 of the walkable development, offering a wide assortment of handmade goods, artwork, candles, pet products, and early holiday gift ideas. A dedicated area known as Lions Lane spotlighted School Support Organizations as well as businesses created by Lakeland youth, which quickly became a favorite stop among festivalgoers.
Food trucks and specialty food vendors joined the square’s three local restaurants to help keep pace with the steady flow of visitors. Children also found plenty to enjoy, from baked good samples to time spent bouncing on the moonwalk.
Live music played a central role throughout the afternoon—something Lakeland Arts Council founder and president Wesley Wright envisioned from the beginning. Performances included Briarcrest Soundscape, Bellevue Big Band, Josh Cosby and Jeremy Stanfill, the Clifton Brady Jazz Quartet, and others, creating what organizers described as a “continuous jukebox of sound” and setting the tone for a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
“This was a huge leap forward from year two,” Wright said. “More vendors, an even more impressive array of performances, and we’re already taking notes on improvements for next year. We look forward to next fall.”
Lakeland Arts Council board member Megan Dupuy, who oversees vendor participation, has already distributed surveys to vendors to gather feedback, with a public survey expected soon. Organizers say they are committed to continuing the festival’s growth and enhancing the experience for attendees and participants alike.
