Sheena Willis enjoys bringing the community together.
As founder and executive director of the Orange Blossom Market Co., Willis has worked since 2022 to organize recurring community events such as Discover Leesburg and the Howey Artisan Market.
“It’s always great to support the community,” Willis said. “I work with vendors from all over Central Florida so people can experience different local vendors. But it’s not just the vendors, people can also visit the brick-and-mortar locations and discover more in the community.”
Willis said the Howey Artisan Market offers people the opportunity to explore the community and visit some of the restaurants that are open to the public.
“Part of our mission is to let people know about the community,” she said. “With the Howey Artisan Market, there’s about 1,000 people a month who come and maybe didn’t know about the public shops and restaurants here.”
Featuring live music and vendors selling handmade goods, the Howey Artisan Market takes place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the last Saturday of the month at Mission Resort + Club, 10040 Country Road 48, Howey-in-the-Hills.
The next Howey Artisan Market will be on May 30 and then it goes on a brief hiatus to avoid the heat of the summer. The market is set to return in September.
From a variety of plants and homemade crafts for sale to live music and a number food truck options to explore, Willis said Discover Leesburg offers entertainment and new things for both new and lifelong residents.
The recurring market is held on the second Friday of nearly every month and is a partnership between the Orange Blossom Market Co. and City of Leesburg.
The next Discover Leesburg event is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 14 in Downtown Leesburg at the Towne Square, 500 W. Main St., Leesburg.
With four years of creating bonds with small businesses under her belt, Willis said the Orange Blossom Market Co. has been able to connect local businesses with residents.
“I think one thing that sets us apart from other groups is that we’ve developed a really strong community,” she said. “With us, it’s really about community. Our vendors, we want them to feel that though they are going to work, they feel like it’s the best job ever.”
For more information about what Leesburg has to offer, visit leesburgflorida.gov. For information about becoming vendor for the outdoor markets, visit orangeblossommarketco.com.
Belleview’s Friday Foodie Fest offers more than just food. Along with its fan-favorite food trucks, the event features face-painting, bounce houses, and small business and craft vendors.
Robert Vass, community engagement liaison for the City of Belleview, said the market offers something for everyone to enjoy and has been “well-received by the community.”
“Friday Foodie Fest offers community members, particularly families, a night of relaxing fun, shopping and delicious food,” Vass said. “They love the event each month, seeing new vendor offerings and trying new meal options. Friday Foodie Fest continues to grow with food offerings and activities.”
Other activities families can enjoy during the event include crafts and train rides.
The next Friday Foodie Fest event will be from 5 to 9 p.m. June 19 at Lake Lillian. For more information about the recurring event that lasts through September, visit belleviewfl.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
