Horizon West Fest to offer community fun

Celebrate the spirit of the community Saturday, March 1, at the annual Horizon West Fest. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hamlin Town Center, Winter Garden. The big community celebration will have activities for all ages, and attendees are being encouraged to bring their chairs or blankets and make plans to enjoy the day.

“This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience that showcases the spirit of our community,” said organizers from Horizon West Happenings.

“Horizon West Fest is that one day that we get together in the year and we just celebrate,” said Stephanie Lang, empowerment officer of presenting organization Horizon West Happenings. “We have so many people who land here, and how do you find your roots and feel connected? If you’re looking for a local book club or moms group or want your house painted,” this is the place to be.

About 90 booths will be set up by a variety of clubs, groups, nonprofit organizations and local business owners — all either operating in or serving the residents of Horizon West — to allow guests to explore volunteer opportunities, essential services and other ways to get involved.

“It’s the perfect chance to really dive in and discover your community,” organizers said.

“Are you looking to volunteer, have hobbies?” Lang said. “We’re just (offering) ways to get involved in the community.”

People tend to get confused about the Horizon West area, which has mailing addresses of Winter Garden and Windermere but technically lies in unincorporated Orange County, Lang said. So, in addition to local businesses and organizations, several county groups will be in attendance as well, including the Orange County Library System, Orange County Fire & Rescue (including a fire engine onsite from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Orange County Clerk of Court.

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson will address the crowd at noon.

The event was started in 2019 with a small crowd and a deejay. The next year, a band played.

Lang is looking forward to the variety of music that will be offered this year. Four acts are scheduled to perform: Francesca Tarantino, from 11:20 a.m. to noon; The Remix, 12:20 to 1:05 p.m.; Shamanic Rootz, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and Jessica DeLaCruz, from 3 to 3:30 p.m.

There’s plenty for the children to do in the Kids Zone, including games, activities, giveaways, face painting, airbrush tattoos, inflatables, Turbo Tubs and, for the youngest guests, the West Orange Fun Bus, bounce houses and a soft-play tot lot.

Not to be left out, adults can have their fun at the 360 photo booth, scavenger hunt, and lounge area with yard games. From 3 to 5 p.m. Toothless the Sloth will be out meeting attendees.

When guests get hungry, or just want to have a snack or drink, they can head over to the food trucks and booths representing Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Skyline Chili, Clean Eatz, Gertrude’s Kitchen, Willy T’s Crabshack, Chikiz Empanadas Gourmet, San Pastelitos, Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza, La Parris Grille, Red Barn Snacks, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Atelie do Brigadeiro, Home State Brewing Co., Thirsty Gulps and Cowgirl Coffee Co.

“Bring together music and food, and everybody’s happy,” Lang said.

This is the seventh Horizon West Fest celebration.

“It really has grown each year,” Lang said. “Last year, we had right at 3,500 people, and it’s continued to grow and bring in new people. We’ve marketed it to the young adults and young professionals with the yard games and adults lounge, really just trying to speak to them as well. It’s not just for families and children.”

Whether you’re there for food or fun — or a little of both — the event takes place in the grassy field adjacent to the Cinepolis movie theater.

“We’re just like a welcome wagon,” Lang said. “Meet you neighbors, get connected with the community and have a good time.”