Creatives jumped at the chance to come up with the design of the official Friday Foodie Fest t-shirt after the city of Belleview announced it was holding a t-shirt design contest.
Friday Foodie Fests run from 5 to 9 p.m. on the third Friday of the month at Lake Lillian.
The event brings a variety of food and merchant vendors out to one location for foodie fans or those looking for something different on a Friday night. There also is a DJ, bouncy houses and other attractions for children. Theresa Fisk was announced as the winner of the contest on July 22.
“Her design pulled together everything we hoped for, including bright colors, a great look and even the iconic Belleview water tower,” said Robert Vass, the Events and Promotions Manager of the city of Belleview.
Vass said after noticing how special this event was to city residents he wanted to have something that let community members show off that pride.
“After I started as the events and promotions manager in June, I noticed quickly that the Friday Foodie Fests are a beloved event within the city,” he said. “People enjoy the camaraderie of the night, the games and activities and of course, the food. I wanted to give the community a way to show off their love for the event and help bring others to enjoy all it offers.”
As the Friday Foodie Fest is a community event, Vass said it was important to give members of the community an opportunity to capture the image of their home for the contest.
The design had to include information about the Friday Foodie Fest events including the dates, time and location.
“One of my core beliefs in my role, is that everything I do is about the community,” he said. “From designing the activities offered to coordinating vendors or promoting them online, my role is focused on telling the story of Belleview and creating a connection between people through engaging activities and our social media presence.”
He said the event brings together the community in every sense of the way as the vendors are local businesses and organizations.
“The activities are presented and sponsored by local organizations,” he said. “I wanted to give the community a chance to create an image reflecting how they experience the event.”
There were 10 designs submitted for the contest and Vass said they were gorgeous.
“I really did not know what to expect when we put it out there,” Vass said. “I know there are a lot of creative people all around and hoped for some kind of design. They did not disappoint.”
Fisk said her husband encouraged her to do the contest.
“It didn’t take me long before I was able to get going (on a design),” Fisk said. “Marion County is the most beautiful place.”
For her design, Fisk said she focused on incorporating “what makes Florida beautiful,” including the nature, weather and people.
“I was pretty stoked,” Fisk said after learning she won the contest.
The shirts were printed by Peek’s Printing and Design in Belleview.
“They generously printed 50 shirts for us to be able to use and distribute,” Vass said. “They are the main sponsor for the entire Friday Foodie Fest 2024 season.”
Now, fans of the Friday Food Fest events will be able to get some merchandise to go with their favorite event.
“I think that people simply love a good time,” Vass said. “Friday Foodie Fests offer a chance to relax under the night sky, around the lake, in a no pressure environment. You never know the vendors that will be there, showing handmade items, crafts and other offerings. Plus, the activities for the kids, at no cost, give families a wonderful opportunity to spend time together. And the food trucks — It’s all about the food after all.”
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
