It was “chamber of commerce weather” all weekend for the annual Ocala Arts Festival, hosted by Fine Arts For Ocala.
On Oct. 26 and 27, visitors roamed downtown streets visiting the booths of more than 150 artists, listening to entertainment, watching student performances and enjoying foods and beverages from local businesses and vendors.
The “stilt guy,” Mike Weakley, was there, towering over guests and leaning down for high-fives and handshakes. The Artify Ocala group drew attention with aerialists, magicians, mimes, fan dancers, flag twirlers and a contortionist.
Festival judges Robin Perry Dana and Victoria Billig selected the following artists to share $27,000 in cash awards:
- Best of Show: Luis Guitierrez
- Awards of Excellence: William Kidd and Sandra Matasick
- Awards of Distinction: Tony Savoie, Dennis Angel, Ummarid Eitharong, Samantha Freeman, Cary Rillo, David Figueroa and Michelle McDowell-Smith
- Awards of Merit: Michael Nelson, Joyce Slate, Tim Carter, James Carter, Richard Currier, Tracey Fletcher, Kristin Schillaci, Martha Banting, Jordan Shapot and Harry Welsch
- Best of Show for Emerging Artist – Award ribbon Bethany Hageman
