Carrollwood VillageFest Returns Saturday

It's time for Carrollwood Village to shine as the community opens its arms to welcome the public in for VillageFest 2012.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17 will include live music, vendors, arts and crafts, food and games. Beer and wine is also available for sale during the festival.

The fun takes place on the Carrollwood Village soccer fields and usually brings in 3,000 to 4,000 festival goers each year.

In it's 10th year, the VillageFest will not disappoint, said Maria Hochwarth-Alvarez, Carrollwood Village Special Events Manager.

"I always try to make it bigger and better," said Alvarez. "We have some really cool bands playing."

New to the festival this year is FunkN 8, a popular band that specializes in 70's style horns with a focus on rock, disco and soul music.

"I'm really excited about this band," Alvarez said. "They play at really cool venues all over the place."

FunkN 8 will take the stage from 2 to 4 p.m. Other live music includes the Lint Rollers and Broadway Bound.

Another special aspect of VillageFest 2012 is the vendors. There will be a total of 109 booths, which includes the sponsors and arts and crafts, restaurants and nonprofit organizations, Alvarez said.

The Carrollwood Area Business Association has maintained a presence at the festival through the years.

"It's a great event because it lets the village residents know about the local business here and meet local business owners as well," said CABA President Maria Patterson.

VillageFest goers with young children are encouraged to attend early.

Santa will also pay a visit to the festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a petting zoo and pony rides.

As for parking, the Carrollwood Cultural Center will be available for $2 per car.

"We give a portion of those proceeds back to Cultural Center," Alvarez said.

Alvarez said the festival provides the perfect opportunity for neighbors to meet each other and invite others into the community.

"Invite your friends and neighbors," she said. "Meet neighbors you may not know and make new friends, it's really a nice neighborhood get together."

If You Go

VillageFest 2012

When: Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Carrollwood Village Soccer Fields, 13420 S. Village Drive.

For more information visit www.carrollwoodvillage.com and go to Events.