MidFlorida Mayfaire-By-The-Lake

When it comes to local Florida art festivals, there are many to choose from, but the appeal of the MidFlorida Mayfaire-by-the-Lake is tough to compete with.

This annual festival on the shores of Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland has proven to be a popular event year after year.

Held on Mother's Day weekend each year, more than 180 artists travel to Lakeland from around the country to exhibit and sell their art.

Visitors can find anything from jewelry and sculptures to watercolor paintings and oil and acrylic creations to drawings and fine photographs for sale.

Visitors can also find artists who create in wood and clay.

Judges award more than $25,000 in show and purchase awards to participants.

The two-day art show is the festival's highlight, but it's not the only activity available.

Mayfaire also features a children's activity tent, a 5k road race, food, live music and a street party on Lake Mirror on Saturday night.