Downtown Lakeland Florida - A Little Mecca of Cool

Skyward Festival

2011 Skyward Festival is scheduled for March 4th. Please see 2009 information below.

Downtown Lakeland’s April First Friday Event is partnering with Sun ‘n Fun to bring a new family event to Downtown: Sun ‘n Fun Skyward Festival.

It’s not always easy to connect Downtown to events elsewhere in the city. Sun ‘n Fun was no exception, ’til now. Ford Heacock, a Downtown business owner and Sun ‘n Fun board member says, “I’ve always wanted (Sun ‘n Fun) to have a closer connection to the community.” Though the event brings tens of thousands of visitors, some felt that locals here in town may overlook this gem.

But April’s, Downtown First Friday event will change all that. “It is a great partnership,” says Julie Townsend, Executive Director of the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, the group responsible for First Friday events. “We are always looking for themes for our First Friday events. The Skyward Festival is shaping up to be a huge event, and will hopefully become the permanent April theme of First Friday.”

“We’ll start with a pre-fly teaser above Main Street”, reveals Heacock. “Just to get everyone’s attention.” Kentucky Avenue will be filled with activities from Lemon Street to Bay Street as displays from Sun ‘n Fun mix with activities planned by the merchants and First Friday organizers. But the excitement does not end there. “Tethered hot air balloons will don the northwest shore of Lake Mirror along Massachusetts Avenue. And at dusk the balloons will glow and we’ll have a pyrotechnic air show above,” shares Heacock.

First Fridays always feature a classic car show on Tennessee Avenue and live music. Added to the live music will be the Air Force Rock Band performing in Munn Park.

Activities begin at 6pm through 9pm. Shops and restaurants are open ’til 9pm and later so be sure to come down for a bite to eat and take in some shopping and browsing. Many streets are closed to accommodate the activities, so plan to park in the ample parking available in the Bay Street lot, the Oak Street lot, the Main Street garage or on-street parking south of Lemon or north of Bay. Permit only lots are FREE parking for the public after 5pm, so take advantage of the permit only lots throughout Downtown Lakeland.

Dowtown Lakeland Partnership: info@DowntownLakelandFL.com, www.DowntownLakelandFL.com, 863-513-3669