Welcome to the 63rd annual Apopka Art & Foliage Festival. The festival is sponsored by the GFWC Apopka Woman's Club in partnership with the City of Apopka. Our thanks to Mayor Nelson and the dedicated city workers who help us bring this festival to you. Thanks to all our sponsors and the Apopka Chief newspaper.

Let’s take a stroll through the park together:  After parking in Edwards Field, the foliage area is calling. On display is everything from roses to our “spotlight” plant, Anasas Sugar Loaf pineapple, which is edible.

After you purchase all your plants, the plant sitter booth will “baby sit” them for a small fee so you can continue your adventure. We also have knowledgeable “plant doctors” who can answer your questions about problems you may have in your yard or garden.  This leads us to the conservation area, where you can become familiar with native birds, animals, the ecosystem & more. There will also be 200 bald cypress trees given away starting Saturday morning on a first come first served basis.  As always, only one per person. Bordering conservation is school art where local students display their creative talents. Some of their work will really “WOW” you.

Also, on this side of the park we will have a face painter and the “hamster wheel “where kids can create their own snow cones by running in the hamster wheel.

Now we walk through the creative craft displays of everything from pottery, jewelry, leather, wood work, books, soaps and much more. Next, is fine art and fine handcrafts. Amazing pieces from fine artists that will be sure to catch your eye.  At the back of the park is concession row where you will have a choice of many different foods and drinks. Picnic tables and tents are available for you to relax or, in the middle of the park is the gazebo with entertainment all day. Chairs & bleachers are under the large trees so you can rest and be entertained by local artists and area schools.

The Kids Zone is sponsored by Home Depot, there will be a craft for the kids to put together & take home. The Apopka police and fire departments will also be on hand with police vehicles and fire trucks for the kids to explore.

As you can see, it will be a fun-filled day at the Apopka Art & Foliage Festival. All proceeds from the festival will go back to the community in the form of scholarships to local high school seniors, area nonprofits, local sports teams as well as the city fire, police & recreation departments.

My deepest gratitude to the members of the Apopka Woman's Club who work year-round to bring this festival to fruition. If you have any questions or concerns, look for the “green shirt ladies” to help you. We will be out and about everywhere.

 Thank you for joining us to make this year's festival a success.

 Joann Castillo, Chairman