The Town of Leland invites the community to celebrate spring, creativity, and environmental stewardship at In Bloom, a new family-friendly festival set for Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Founders Park, located at 113 Town Hall Drive.
Designed as an expansion of Leland’s popular spring art market, In Bloom brings together local artists, plant growers, nonprofits, environmental stewards, and performers in one place, creating an opportunity for residents to shop local, connect with community organizations, and learn practical ways to support the environment.
Free, hands-on activities will be available throughout the event for all ages. Attendees can create cyanotype sun prints with James Farley of Studio Australis, design custom tie-dye pieces (participants are encouraged to bring their own items or use an Art Around Town shirt), or make unique artwork using recycled materials with The Scrap Exchange.
Live entertainment will add to the festival atmosphere, beginning with dance lessons with the Wilmington Latin Dance from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Live music from Dear MariBella & the Pigkickers will follow and continue until 2 p.m.
Visitors can also browse handcrafted and eco-friendly goods from local artists and makers, including Soulchemy Metals, Solemar, Terra Nova Pottery, Heather Leigh Designs, Lali & Tal, Melissa Schepp Creations, Elevated Wicks, SealZiti Soaps, Tres Manos Cerámica, Antoinette Angela Vogt Art, and Wave Over Wave Design.
Plant enthusiasts will have the chance to shop and learn directly from area growers, including Shelton Herb Farm, Richard “Flytrap” Jones, Currie Farms, Phil’s Figs, and Johnson Family Flowers.
In Bloom also highlights the Cape Fear region’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Local organizations will be on site to share information about conservation efforts and volunteer opportunities, including Carolina Green Clothing Recyclers, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Cape Fear Audubon, Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, Leland Area Garden Club, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Brunswick County Library Bookmobile, We Live Here Leland, and Three Pines Project.
Food vendors will be available throughout the day, featuring Mimi and Papa’s Popcorn and Sweet Shop, Island Squeeze Lemonade, Seaview Crab Company, Glizzies on the Go, and Gustu Peruano.
In Bloom is supported in part by a $1,500 Grassroots Grant from the Brunswick Arts Council, a Designated County Partner of the North Carolina Arts Council, which is a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.