Lutz Arts, Crafts Festival Promises Something for Everyone

It's the most wonderful time of the year for a craft fair. And the GFWC Lutz- Land O' Lakes Woman's Club is pulling out all the stops again to bring the community together for a weekend of holiday shopping.

The club's 33rd annual Arts & Crafts Festival will be held Dec. 1 and Dec. 2 at Lake Park in Lutz, and organizers say there is something for everyone.

"There's lots of good vendors coming," event co-chair Shirley Simmons said. "We're looking forward to a great weekend."

The festival will feature items in every price range, Simmons said. From wine jellies and breakfast breads to orginal artwork and tutus, you can find something to fit every budget at the popular two-day festival, which traditionally draws crowds of 20 to 30 thousand each year.

It's a great place to find teacher's gifts, she said.

And if you want to spend $1,000 on jewelry, there will be vendors there for that, too, Simmons said.

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The vendor spots are completely filled up, Simmons said, and there are many new vendors this year.

There also will be plenty to eat. The women's club will have their "famous peach cobbler" for sale, and food vendors will offer everything from Cuban sandwiches to funnel cakes.

The funds raised from the festival allow the club to support the community in myriad ways, from funding scholarships for local high school students to supporting Christian Social Services, local libraries and the fire department, Simmons said.

The club also will be providing food baskets for the families of some local elementary students in need this year, she said.

"That's just the beginning of what goes on" in the club, Simmons said.

The GFWC club is the oldest non-denominational, non-political club in the world, Simmons said. The Lutz-Land O' Lakes chapter has about 90 members who range from "quite young" to about 90.

"We're a well-rounded club," she said.

If You Go:

When:

Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Lake Park, 17302 Dale Mabry Hwy in Lutz

Cost: Admission to festival is free, but Hillsborough County charges $2 per car to enter the park