Lewiston GardenFest now accepting applications for vendor and open garden participants

Annual event set for June 21-22 in the Village of Lewiston

While the weather outside might still be frightful, the Lewiston Garden Club is already thinking spring. Plans are underway for the ninth annual Lewiston GardenFest, slated for Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, along Center Street in Lewiston. Applications for both vendors and for local residents interested in showcasing their gardens are now being accepted.

"Gardeners and landscape enthusiasts of all skill levels from throughout the region and Southern Ontario regularly attend the Lewiston GardenFest," said Barbara Landree, Lewiston GardenFest chairwoman. "From visiting with our vendors, touring Lewiston's local gardens and talking with the gardening experts, festival attendees come away with a whole new set of ideas for beautifying their own personal spaces."

Businesses and vendors selling items related to gardening, horticulture and the outdoors - including nurseries, landscapers, garden artists, builders and others who enhance beauty in the garden - are encouraged to apply. Vendor applications are due by May 1, and can be downloaded at www.lewistongardenfest.com. The application fee varies from $125-$225 based on the size of the vendor display.

For Lewiston residents interested in showcasing their garden, Lewiston GardenFest is also now accepting applications for this year's open gardens as part of the weekend event. Residents do not need to showcase their entire yard, but instead can choose a section they wish to highlight. Garden enthusiasts and other festivalgoers will be able to view participating gardens only when the "open garden" sign is in place (between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the festival weekend). Homeowners should be present during the open garden hours to answer any questions.

For more information or to download an application, visit www.lewistongardenfest.com. The deadline to participate is also May 1.

Located along Center Street, the Lewiston GardenFest includes vendors with flowers, plants, garden art and more to beautify one's outdoor space. Speakers each day will demonstrate techniques to enhance the gardening experience. In addition, master gardeners and representatives from floral societies will offer presentations and opportunities to answer gardening questions throughout the weekend.

A map highlighting the featured gardens will be available at the hospitality booths. The entire event is free to the public. All proceeds from Lewiston GardenFest are given back to the local community for civic beautification and scholarships.

For more information, visit www.lewistongardenfest.com.