This major community event, attracting 30,000 visitors annually, began as a small club event in 1961. Each year, the GFWC Apopka Woman’s Club has sponsored the event. Held at Kit Land Nelson Park, the Festival showcases the work of 150 juried artisans and crafters, who receive monetary prizes and ribbons. In addition, the top foliage growers from Central Florida are invited to bring their large variety of plants for purchase. Entertainment is provided by talent agencies, local schools, churches, and community groups. Visitors can also enjoy bus tours to local nurseries which provide a first-hand look at the foliage industry. Documentation includes a three-page text describing the 1998 festival and its sponsor; a newspaper article and a festival supplement.
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative John L. Mica (R-Winter Park) today announced that the Apopka Art & Foliage Festival has been selected as a national Local Legacy as part of the Library of Congress’ Bicentennial celebration. Also named were the DeBary Hall Spring Festival, the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival, the Daytona 500 and the Restoration of Eldora House.
“I’m pleased that the Library of Congress recognizes the historical and cultural significance of these activities, not only to our Central Florida community but also to the country," Mica stated. "Visitors to the Library, and its vast audiences throughout the world, will now have access to the rich history and current status of each of these outstanding local legacies." Originally submitted by: John L. Mica, Representative (7th District).
The Apopka Art & Foliage Festival has come to be known as a well managed, established event, not only in the immediate communities, but throughout the Southeastern area. We have been featured in Southern Living magazine and in the magazine Where the Shows Are! Our advertising is not just local. We advertise in all of Orange, Seminole and Lake Counties, as well as placing several ads in newspapers in Sumter and Marion Counties. We also work closely with a number of radio and television stations, not only having placement on their “Community Bulletin Board”, but also with interviews and on-site broadcasting.