By Susie Scott
mail@floridanewsline.com
Spring is in the air and that means another annual Mandarin Art Festival. Colorful and unique art, music, shopping, food court, Children’s Art Show, Bake Sale and much more are scheduled. The art festival has been an Easter weekend tradition since its launch in 1968 and is now a family weekend must do.
“Volunteering to work with the Mandarin Art Festival gives me the opportunity to not only see some of the best art work being done today as well as meet and visit with the artists doing that magnificent work,” said Laura Miller, former festival co-chair and 2025 volunteer.
More than 100 juried local and national artist exhibitors of fine art and fine craft will showcase their amazing talent under the majestic oaks of old Mandarin over the weekend of April 19 – 20. In addition to the opportunity to leisurely stroll the more than 100 booths, patrons can visit the adjacent Billard Commemorative Park where more than a dozen Green Market vendors sell their locally produced consumable original products. And if you want to see the budding artwork of local middle schoolers aspiring to be the next generation of artist exhibitors, step inside the 150-year-old historic Mandarin Community Club building where 15 schools will be represented.
All that walking around making you hungry? The food court offers cuisine from around town and around the world, including empanadas, pirogis, lobster rolls, loaded tater tots, Argentine food, hand crafted lemonade, Latin fusion and good old American sandwich options. Make your selection and dine in comfort in the outdoor pavilion while listening to local musicians setting a casual tone.
There will also be an old-fashioned bake sale on Saturday with donations from community club members, a prize drawing offering, club merchandise with the official 2025 Mandarin Art Festival tee shirt for sale. Everyone is welcome to come out to enjoy this event but no pets are allowed. Free shuttles will transport guests from Albert Field and the Mandarin Masonic Lodge and will bring you right to the gates. A $2 suggested donation is requested at the gate to support the mission of the Mandarin Community Club to promote and ensure the preservation, beautification and environmental well- being of Mandarin; to provide educational programs and meetings for the club’s membership and the community; to enhance the cultural and recreational life of the citizens of Mandarin and to maintain the historic structures and property owned by the club.
Visit www.mandarinartfestival.org for more information.
Photo courtesy Susie Scott
Festival chair Susie Scott with prize-winning local artist Tim Bullard
