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VillageFest 2007 Seeks More Vendors

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By ANGELA DELGADO, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 17, 2007

CARROLLWOOD - VillageFest 2007 is weeks away, and organizers are looking for a few more crafty vendors to join the fun.

The fifth annual festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Carrollwood Village soccer fields, 13420 South Village Drive. The event is free and open to the public.

Maria Hochwarth-Alvarez, events manager of the festival, said it's the biggest annual event in Carrollwood meant for everybody 'from kids in strollers to seniors.'

The event includes entertainment, inflatable attractions for children, jazz and rock 'n' roll bands, a youth drum marching band, plus food varying from hot dogs to Southern barbecue, Thai egg rolls and tacos. Beer and wine also will be available.

The food isn't free, but the entertainment is. The festival has a variety of arts and crafts booths, with works ranging from watercolor to photography to jewelry. There will be antiques shops, plant nurseries and vendors with items for sale.

A real estate company will have its trademark hot air balloon on-site for attendees to ride for free, weather permitting, Hochwarth-Alvarez said. The balloon will take riders up 25 feet, where they can view the sights.

Parking will be at the Carrollwood Cultural Center near the soccer fields. The entrance can be accessed via Lowell Road. There is a $2 fee to park, and part of the profits will go to the cultural center.

Hochwarth-Alvarez is expecting up to 5,000 people; last year's attendance was at 4,200. The event draws not only from Carrollwood, but also from Temple Terrace, Lutz, Westchase and Central Tampa, she said. Artists are coming from Sarasota and St. Petersburg.

This year's theme will be Autumn, to celebrate the fall season. The festival area will be decorated with pumpkins and scarecrows, she said.

The festival 'definitely helps make friends amongst neighbors,' Hochwarth-Alvarez said. It's also a good opportunity for residents to 'introduce Carrollwood Village to the rest of the area,' she said.

Reporter Angela Delgado can be reached at (813) 865-1501 or adelgado@tampatrib.com.

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