The 45-year-old Lehigh Acres Spring Festival will end to make way for a new community festival; Southwest Florida’s Hero Fest. The name change might come with a heavy heart for some long-time residents, but this year’s festival is designed to thank and honor local heroes, including veterans, military personnel, first responders and more.
“Last year we had a patriotic theme during the Spring Festival and it really worked out well. That’s why this festival will be dedicated to them and all that they do for us. As a community, we cannot thank these individuals enough, who have given so much to defend our country, actively fighting wars, and keeping us safe and sound on a daily basis,” said Cheryl Dutka, vice president of Southwest Florida’s Hero Fest.
The original Spring Festival started in 1975, as a celebration to welcome spring, and to say farewell to all of Lehigh’s seasonal residents who head back north for the summer. Previously, the festival’s success was driven partly by the participation of local civic organizations and businesses who were involved and hosted various contests, competitions and performances throughout the week-long event.
According to a SWFL Hero Fest press release, the combined decrease of interest and attendance pushed the committee into making a the difficult decision to retire the Lehigh Spring Festival and its events.
Another factor that came into play is the diverseness of Lehigh, which has grown tremendously over the past 45 years, boasting more than 100,000 residents. Lehigh’s demographics have changed greatly as well, now comprised of more working families who come from all cultures, and originate from all around the world.
“Since we have a lot of families and many with young children, we thought it would be a good idea to open earlier, so those with smaller kids could come when the rides are less busy. It’s also great for our local businesses who can stop by and grab lunch from one of our fresh, food vendors,” Dutka said.
Two additional changes were made from the original Spring Festival: a new location and an earlier date. The SWFL Hero Fest will be held earlier than the original Spring Festival, and will run from Thursday, Feb. 6, to Sunday, Feb, 9, at 225 Joel Blvd.
According to Dutka, the dates were moved up slightly to keep the festival from competing with the larger Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair, which runs Feb. 27 through March 8.
“We also needed to change the location for this year’s Hero Festival from its normal Veterans Park to a venue off of Joel Boulevard due to the traffic congestion and construction delays on Homestead Road,” Dutka said.
This year’s festival still will offer entertainment for the entire family with live music and stage shows, carnival rides, food trucks and food vendors, a beer garden, local arts & craft vendors, a car show, and special presentations for local veterans, military personnel, and first responders.
“We still have many of our popular food vendors coming out, a new carnival with rides from Premier Shows of America, and we will have our crowd favorites back including Commodore Cutter’s Tent, Nick’s Kid Show, a chili cook-off, a pet show, a barbecue cook-off and great local bands and dance performances,” Dutka said.
All proceeds raised from the Hero Festival will go back into the communities where it is needed most and local veteran and military organizations, such as the American Legion, VFW, Southwest Florida Hero Project and the Southwest Florida Military Museum.
Dutka said that there will also be a special appreciation day scheduled to celebrate all the hometown heroes.
Another change from previous years, is that this year’s festival will not include its annual parade.
Hours of operation:
Thursday and Sunday, hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Four-day wrist bans can be purchased for $60. One- day wrist bands are $25.
Admission and parking will be free. Website at https://swflherofest.com/
For more information on SWFL Hero Fest visit SWFLherofest.com or email Cheryl Dutka at swflherofest@gmail.com
Early wrist bands may also be purchased.