OUR 45TH ANNIVERSARY!

PIONEER DAYS FESTIVAL 2021 - October 23 & 24, 2021

OLD-FASHIONED FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Lake Wales History Museum will present the 45^th Annual Pioneer Days Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 & 24, 2021, which is a celebration of Lake Wales’ history and heritage.  Located along the shores of Lake Wailes Park, the free community festival features a heritage village that includes dozens of historical demonstrations of pioneer camps and early American trades.  The public is welcome to experience, learn, share and buy hand-crafted goods from these vendors along with more than 60 craft market vendors.  Average attendance is 7,500—10,000 individuals.

The festival honors pioneers from the past and presents an annual recognition award to a notable resident of historical contributions to the community during the festival with community organizations, antique tractors and cars, live music and entertainment, festival food, beer & wine.  Families can also enjoy the Pumpkin Patch with pumpkins for sale, fall craft stations, old-fashioned games, a corn crib, hay piles, photo station, and face painting.

Each year since 1977, the Lake Wales History Museum has recognized a resident of Lake Wales who has made an outstanding contribution to the quality of life and community of Lake Wales, and we are now accepting nominations for 2021.  If you know someone who has lived in Lake Wales and made a significant contribution to our community, please consider submitting a nomination. 

Pioneer of the Year Celebration - Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10 AM

2021 Pioneer of the Year Nomination Form

CRAFT MARKET VENDOR

Would you like to sell fine art, craft and handmade items?  Come and be a craft market vendor today!  

We are looking for heritage arts, handmade crafts including handmade/blown glass, homemade and organic bath and body products, baskets, candles, prepared culinary gifts, clothing and accessories, kitchen accessories, home goods & holiday décor, decorative painting and folk arts, prints, sculpture, woodcraft, metalwork, pottery, re-cycled/re-purposed art, outdoor & garden accessories, furniture, gourds, jewelry, leather goods, quilts & textile items, and more.  

Craft Market Vendors are welcome to display and sell products, and are provided a 10’ x 10’ space for a $100 vendor fee. Vendors are responsible for collecting sales tax.

REGISTER HERE

COMMUNITY VENDOR

Community Organizations are the HEART of Lake Wales.

All types of community organizations are invited to participate!  We are looking to include local, non-profit organizations, churches, charities, and service clubs.  Community organizations are welcome to display information about what you do, share your mission, membership information, sell special drawing or event tickets, conduct family friendly activities.  All groups are provided a complimentary 10’ x 10’ area.  Community organizations are not permitted to sell food items, unless they wish to register as a food vendor.  Political and religious groups are welcome to participate, but not permitted to solicit to visitors outside of their booth space.

Community Vendors are welcome to display information in a complimentary 10’ x 10’ area. 

REGISTER HERE

FOOD VENDOR

We are looking for delicious, festival food with a professional presentation.  

All types of festival food vendors are invited to participate in the festival.  

Food Vendors are welcome to sell food products, and are provided a space for a $300 vendor fee. Vendors are responsible for collecting sales tax.

REGISTER HERE

HISTORICAL DEMONSTRATIONS & RE-ENACTOR VENDORS

We are looking for historical re-enactors and heritage artisans who will offer learning and sharing experiences combined with the unique artistry of objects crafted as they were in the past. Demonstration vendors are provided a complimentary space to demonstrate an authentic art or craft of their heritage art throughout each day of the festival. Vendors are welcome to sell merchandise related to these products, and are responsible for collecting sales tax.  The size and scope of the demonstration area will be determined by the type of demonstration.  Contact the museum for more information about becoming a historical demonstrator at 863.676.1759 or email Bartholomew Delcamp at bdelcamp@lakewalesfl.gov.. 

Become a sponsor and support local heritage.

Sponsorships range from $250 - 5,000, and allow us to offer the best vendors, music and more for our community festival. All funds raised from the Pioneer Days Festival directly support the event and the Lake Wales History Museum’s ongoing historic preservation, educational programming, and museum exhibits.

Donations are tax-deductible, allow opportunities to showcase your products and services to the community and benefits include your name or logo in our media promotions which includes a $35,000 marketing campaign. The event is promoted from Tampa to Orlando and throughout Polk County online, through social media, on local radio and newspaper media, as well as through posters and flyers. A complimentary 10' x 10' space at the festival is provided for you to promote your business.

We would love to count you among our contributors and donors.

SPONSORSHIP PACKET

We are looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the festival. We need help with planning, coordinating vendors, greeting visitors, parking cars and more, and would love to have your help!  Volunteers receive a complimentary festival shirt and a $10 food voucher good towards for festival food (no cash value).

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION