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Image courtesy of Polk Museum of Art
This Mother’s Day weekend, gather family and friends and experience MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake in quaint and picturesque downtown Lakeland, Florida. From its humble beginnings as a small craft fair on the lawn of a library, Mayfaire has expanded its reach to be one of the best outdoor fine art festivals in the sunshine state—Sunshine Artist magazine placed Mayfaire at number 20 on their esteemed “Best 200 Art Shows” list. 165 artists and artisans of all disciplines will be on site showing their skill and craft, with wonderful and original works of art available to add to your collection. A wide array of food and beverage vendors will be present and will offer a variety of cuisine sure to satisfy all palates.
Image courtesy of Polk Museum of Art
A diverse schedule of live entertainment by local musicians and dance companies performing in the shady lawn of the Lakeland Library keeps the energy and fun going throughout the weekend and provides an opportunity to take a cool, relaxing break from the action. Children of all ages and abilities can create a unique work of art at the hands-on art tent, courtesy of the Polk Museum of Art and VSA Arts. On Saturday night, a free party continues the family fun. Bring a blanket and appetite, and enjoy food trucks and fireworks on the shores of Lake Mirror. For those looking to be active, consider running or walking in the MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire 5k race. Whatever your preference for entertainment, the wide variety of activities and sights at MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-lake ensures that your family’s experience will be rich and vibrant for all ages. Parking, shuttles, and admission are all free.
Natacha Monnalisa, Nesting in Lakeland, 2017.
This year’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake featured image, titled “Nesting in Lakeland,” is by the Waldo-based artist Natacha Monnalisa. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Monnalisa has been a lifelong artist and works in a whimsical style she calls “abstract reality.” Monnalisa has shown her work all around the United States, and earned a master’s degree in art from the University of Miami.
MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake runs Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14 from 9am-4pm, and Mayfaire Saturday Night is on Saturday, May 13 from 5-11pm
