Lafayette County Pioneer Day to feature art show and vendors

Hailey Waldo

Riverbend News

Lafayette County’s annual Pioneer Day celebration is set for Saturday, Oct. 10, bringing local artists, crafters, vendors and community members together for a day celebrating the county’s history and rural heritage.

As part of the festivities, the Pioneer Day Art Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lafayette State Bank lobby, located at 340 W. Main St., in Mayo. Hosted by the Mayo Woman’s Club, this year’s theme is “Backroads and Homesteads,” inviting artists to showcase work inspired by rural life, local landscapes, family traditions and the places that make the community unique.

The art show will feature a variety of categories, giving participants numerous ways to showcase their creativity. Categories include acrylic, quilts, oil, sewing, mixed media, sculpture, pen and ink, pastel, photography, crafts, stained glass and jewelry.

In addition to the art show, the Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is inviting vendors to participate in Pioneer Day. Individuals and businesses interested in becoming vendors are asked to submit an application, a list of items they plan to sell and a photo of their booth setup by Friday, Sept. 25. The Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce will review all applications.

Vendor setup will be available at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 123 S.W. C.R. 300, in Mayo, on Friday, Oct. 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vehicles will be permitted in the park during those hours but must be removed by 6 p.m. Vendors may also set up Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., but all vehicles must be out of the park by 8 a.m. Vehicles will not be permitted back into the park until 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Because parking is limited, vendors are asked to unload their items and then move their vehicles to make room for visitors. Vendors needing handicap parking are encouraged to notify the Chamber in advance so accommodations can be made. Organizers recommend arriving early to make setup easier.

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office will enforce several restrictions during the event. Alcohol, explosives such as fireworks and poppers, by-products such as silly string and confetti, and pets will not be permitted. The sheriff’s office will also have a Rapid Deployment Center located in the park, with security provided Friday night and throughout Saturday’s event.

Vendors are reminded that the State of Florida requires a tax identification number. Those needing a temporary tax ID can contact the Florida Department of Revenue at 386-758-0420 for information.

The Chamber also notes that electronic payments will not be accepted for the event. Applications and payment should be mailed to the address listed on the application or delivered directly to a Chamber board member. Spaces will not be assigned until payment has been received in full.

Pioneer Day offers an opportunity for the community to come together while highlighting local talent, businesses, handmade goods, art and the rural traditions that remain an important part of Lafayette County.

Questions or concerns about the event or vendor applications can be directed to the Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].