Erika Spence: It's all local

When you hear the term ‘chamber of commerce,’ you might automatically think of an organization that helps develop, promote and sustain the local business climate – and that is true here in Winter Park. Our staff works day-in and day-out to advocate, support and grow local businesses. However, our mission is two-fold. The other half is to initiate support and enhance the civic, educational and economic well being of the community. We believe that when the community thrives, so does business.

This fall, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce has several opportunities to support businesses that are the backbone of our economy, while contributing to the civic well being of Winter Park at the same time. We call this a win-win.

Local artists, local veterans

First up is the 40th annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival. The sidewalk art show is the only juried fine art festival to showcase Florida artists exclusively, and has done so for 40 years. These local artists, many of whom call Central Florida home, are talented and creative entrepreneurs who appreciate your support. Come out for a fun weekend on Saturday, Oct. 12, and Sunday, Oct. 13, to experience their artwork, enjoy live entertainment on the Central Park stage, and a sidewalk sale at local merchants along Park Avenue. We’ve even lined up art workshops for the kids led by instructors at Crealdé School of Art. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Details at available at autumnartfestival.org

This year’s poster features a moonlit scene of the Veteran’s Fountain in Central Park painted by local artist Stephen Bach. The fountain honors Winter Park’s veterans who fought in foreign wars. A percentage of the poster sales will be donated to Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation in support of their effort to honor Central Florida veterans with a memorial park near Lake Nona’s VA Hospital. Learn more about their project at cfvmpf.org, or attend the Chamber’s Good Morning Winter Park program on Oct. 11 to hear a presentation from Maj. Gen. Douglas Metcalf (retired) and members of the project’s leadership team.

Local designers, local merchants

On the heels of the Autumn Art Festival, Harriett’s Park Avenue Fashion Week returns Oct. 13 – 19 with a seven-day celebration of fashion and design. The Emerging Designer Contest, which showcases the talent of several local designers, recently held a fashion show at Maxine’s on Shine to determine the top-three finalists. These designers will complete a “Project Runway”-inspired challenge featuring supplies from Tuni on Park Avenue. The winner will receive a 10-look runway show during the Park Avenue Fashion Week Runway Show on Saturday, Oct. 19, among other prizes. You can learn more about the designers, one of which is only 18, at parkavenuefashionweek.com/emerging-designer

In addition to the contest, Park Avenue Fashion Week showcases the diverse fashion scene on the Avenue, from wedding gowns at The Collection to jewelry at The Unique Diamond Boutique, and from menswear at John Craig and Current to women’s fashions at Charyli and Bella. Throughout the week, stores host designer meet-and-greets, trunk shows and special events. A full schedule of events can be found at parkavenuefashionweek.com, along with ticket information for the Runway Show under a tent in Central Park’s West Meadow.

Erika Spence is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.