Fay Dampens Festival, But Still A Success

Rains from Tropical Storm Fay hurt attendance at last weekend's 18th annual Caladium Festival, but organizers say crowds exceeded expectations and vendors were pleased with the turnout.

Heavy rains put a damper on Friday's turnout for the three-day event, but large Saturday crowds enjoyed excellent weather, said Eileen May, Greater Lake Placid CEO/president of operations.

"With the rain, there were more people than anticipated," said Happiness Farm owner and organizer Carolyn Phypers. "We didn't do as well as we did in the past, but we were pleased."

May said on Friday that vendors love working from Lake Placid's downtown streets. She noted that many of more than 100 out-of-town vendors pointed to the local event as the most profitable show they attend.

"It's a big money maker for the vendors," said May. "The craft vendors all left happy and many asked to reserve spots for next year."

Twice, the threat of hurricanes led to cancellations of the annual festival, with steamy temperatures the norm during the late August event.

So why not hold the festival that attracts thousands of visitors at a different time and possibly make the biggest event in town even better attended?

Dot Bates works year round farming caladiums for Bates Sons & Daughters. She talked about the crop that gives the town the nickname, "The Caladium Capital of the World" and the place where 90 percent of the world's caladiums grow.

"If we moved it, then we wouldn't have any caladiums in the fields, the downtown or yards," said Bates.

Eileen May, of the Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce agreed with Bates.

"We have to stay at the peak of the season when caladiums are vibrant," said May. "I'd love to do it in the cooler weather. I've been kidding for years about having it in cooler weather because it takes its toll on everyone.

"It is hot, that's the way it is in Florida in August."

Phypers said that the dates of the festival coincide with the "best time to show off the caladiums."

Typically, 15 caladium farming families plant tubers in April and May, with little to view until July. The colors peak in August. In October, the plants begin to lie down. From late November, through March, tubers are harvested.

Heavy rains put a damper on Friday's turnout for the three-day event, but large Saturday crowds enjoyed excellent weather, said May.