Horizon West Fest returns this weekend

After nearly a year without large community events, the Horizon West community is in for a treat this weekend.

Horizon West Happenings has partnered with Orlando Health and Healthy West Orange as its event presenters to ensure proper precautions are taken — all while members of the community enjoy a day of fun in the sun.

Cynthia Dailey, publisher of Horizon West Happenings, said the team is taking this responsibility to heart. 

“Since Horizon West is outside of city municipalities, larger events must be permitted directly through Orange County with a detailed COVID plan,” Dailey said. “The event will be well-signed to remind attendees to wear their masks. You’ll also find cleaning of restrooms and eating areas throughout the day. Capacity is the big one. To accurately monitor capacity, reserving an arrival time has been implemented this year to make sure we are spreading attendees out over the full event time and enabling those that really want to attend have contactless entry (and) a wristband waiting for them.”

With event capacity limited this year, attendees must purchase their wristbands in advance and choose a time slot in which to attend — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m., or 3 to 5 p.m. Online sales will close Thursday, March 4, and availability at the gate is not guaranteed.

Horizon West Fest will offer a kids zone, food, music, bar and wine, dance parties, story time for tots, games, giveaways, entertainment on the main stage and a scavenger hunt. Attendees also will get to know and have opportunities to support local businesses.

“A variety of Horizon West eats will be available for the family to get what they are craving,” Dailey said. “District 1 Commissioner (Nicole) Wilson will be there to help us recognize the 2021 Who’s Who of Horizon West winners.”

Dailey said the Horizon West Happenings team loves bringing the community together and supporting the local economy. 

“We live, work and play here in Horizon West and are most excited to get the community out of their houses for an afternoon of community pride and bonding — all in an environment that enables them to be comfortable and safe,” Dailey said.