Horizon West Fest to take place this Saturday

Horizon West is getting ready to host thousands of people for a fun-filled day Saturday, March 7, at the eighth annual Horizon West Fest. 

Hosted by Horizon West Happenings and presenting sponsors Orlando Health and Healthy West Orange, this year’s event is expected to be the biggest one yet. 

“We really want it to be something where everybody comes and feels welcomed,” said Stephanie Lang, Horizon West Happenings’ chief empowerment officer. “It’s something that everybody looks forward to every year.”

Since the festival’s inception in 2019, it has grown by 250% in attendees as more people move to the area and learn about the festivities. 

Lang said the event is expected to continue growing, even though they have run out of green space at Hamlin Town Center. 

The event is expected to have about 100 vendors, 20 food vendors, as well as activities geared toward all demographics. 

“There’s something for everyone to do there — from live music, a reggae band, high energy DJ, huge Kids Zone (and) yard games,” Lang said. 

The Kids Zone will include a 60-foot obstacle course, a dual-lane jumbo slide, face-painting stations, airbrush-tattoo stations and more. 

Adults also will have lots to enjoy at the event, from photo booths to scavenger hunts, live music from Shamanic Rootz and an expanded lounge area. 

There also will be a dedicated toddler area, which is an area for kids 5 and under, featuring hands-on crafts, bounce houses and a play tot lot. 

Lang said community leaders also will make an appearance. 

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson will address the audience at 1 p.m., followed by Orange County Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell and Florida Rep. Leonard Spencer at 2:30 p.m.

“We’re really excited to have some of our community leaders there joining us and speaking,” Lang said.

To her, this event is a dream come true. 

She said attending events always has been one of her favorite parts of life, getting to enjoy community, meeting neighbors and having fun in a place she lives. 

That’s why this event was created. 

“To me, events are a huge part of creating traditions and creating identity in the community,” she said. “So that’s what I really look forward to.”

While Horizon West Happenings has hosted smaller events since 2018, such as food truck nights and smaller markets, the team realized the community craved a festival like other cities and towns do. 

Lang has a ritual she follows every year at Horizon West Fest. 

“I always take a couple of minutes, and I go sit on top of the garage,” she said. “Thankfully, I’m not afraid of heights, and I just take it all in, because it’s just really amazing to see all the families and neighbors and friends coming together and connecting and smiling and laughing and enjoying it. This is why we do it. … So many new connections come out of it, neighbors meeting neighbors, and, of course, businesses are going to get more recognition, and they’re going to meet new clients. I just love the new connections that come out of it.” 

She excitedly awaits the new ideas, new friendships and seeing the community together for the annual festival. 

“It’s just a huge part to me of creating that identity for Horizon West and creating those traditions that I love,” Lang said. “We’re just trying to build community by bringing our community together.”