April Showers Did Not Rain Out Bartow Spring Fling
by James Coulter
April showers bring may flowers, and even the threat of April showers could not deter vendors and attendees from attending the Spring Fling Hop & Shop in Downtown Bartow on Saturday.
Several vendors set up booths along Central Avenue in Downtown Bartow to sell everything from homegrown honey to handcrafted wreaths. Despite the forecast calling for severe thunderstorms, many people decided to attend the event, explained Linda Holcomb, Main Street Bartow Executive Director.
“It has been okay considering the threat of the weather conditions,” she said. “Some show up. Some cancelled last minute. And then, of course, the crowds are not as big as they usually have been. It is usually bigger earlier…We had a ton of families down here. Vendors have been selling stuff, so they are happy.”
With Easter right around the corner, attendees could get into the holiday spirit by taking pictures with the Easter Bunny and purchasing other holiday goodies like Easter baskets, eggs, candy, and orchids.
Many residents went above and beyond to get into the Easter spirit. Trish Pfifer, who is currently running for Seat 3 on the Bartow City Commission, dressed up in bunny ears and took a stroll with her two pet dogs.
She was glad that the rain did not come, despite the weather forecast for that day and gray clouds forming and looming above. Otherwise, she loved the beautiful weather, which was most ideal for a stroll downtown.
“It is a beautiful day down on the main street area,” she said. “It brings people to our city which is great we want them to see what to offer with our downtown hospitality so it is a great event.”
Melissa Woodward has been selling coasters and other artwork with characters based on popular movies, games, and shows. She especially loves making items based on anime like Naruto and Demon Slayer.
She has been making and selling her items at events like this for five years and counting. She owes her success to the loyal customers who support her and her work.
“[I love the] people who come out an enjoy my items,” she said. As for the event that day, she thought it was, “pretty decent despite all of the rain moving in.”
For more information about upcoming events, visit Main Street Bartow’s Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetBartow/
