44th Annual Pioneer Days Festival is a free community event celebrating the heritage of Lake Wales.

Free admission and parking on both days.

Pioneer of Year Celebration includes honoring a recipient of the annual “Pioneer of the Year,” award. On Saturday, October 26 at 10 a.m., we will recognize a resident of Lake Wales who has made an outstanding contribution to the quality of life and community of Lake Wales.

Over 100 heritage artisan and craft art vendors will be showcasing handmade goods and crafts for sale including handmade/blown glass, homemade and organic bath and body products, baskets, candles, prepared culinary gifts, clothing and accessories, kitchen accessories, home goods, and holiday décor, decorative painting and folk arts, sculpture, woodcraft, metalwork, pottery, outdoor & garden accessories, furniture, gourds, jewelry, leather goods, quilts & textile items.

Small Town, Big Heart Community Vendors – This year’s Pioneer Days Festival aims to enhance the variety and presence of our fellow community organizations, non-profits, churches, charities, and service clubs. Community vendors are welcome to display information about their organization, and are provided a complimentary 10’ x 10’ space.

Activities for the whole family will include a petting zoo, old-fashioned games, facepainting, hay & pumpkin patch & photo station. Historical and heritage activities will include a Civil War camp, Talako Indian Dancers, Architectural Tours of Lake Wales, Antique car & tractor display, Fiber Arts demonstrations & more to come!

Eat Fresh – Enjoy freshly prepared and grilled options all day long made by our festival food vendors! Menu options will include Pork or Chicken Kebabs, Fresh Garden & Greek Salad Bar, Mediterranean Rice, Falafels, Gyros, Pizza, Hamburgers, Corn Dogs, French Fries, Philly Cheese Steaks, Bratwurst, Italian & Polish Sausages, Funnel Cakes, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade & more to come!

Good Drinks – Craft & Domestic Beer Favorites, Wine, Sodas, Water & more to come!

Entertainment will feature dance performances and live bands, guitarists, and vocalists playing familiar folk, bluegrass, country, 50’s, 60’s & 70’s tunes. The Lake Wales High School Highlander Band will perform at the beginning of the Pioneer of the Year Celebration beginning at 10 AM on Saturday, October 26.