• Okeechobee Main Street is kicking off our 2021 Mixers with the grand opening of Okeechobee Main Street’s new office at 111 N.E. Second Street. There will be a ribbon cutting by the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. You will be able to tour our new Arts & Culture Alliance Art Center. We will also be introducing our new Executive Director, Faith Nielson. Pre-packaged refreshments will be available, as well as a variety of beverages. COVID guidelines will be followed, masks must be worn and precautions for social distancing will be encouraged.

Dedicated, hardworking, educated community leader Faith Nielson grew up in Pennsylvania, attended Susquehanna University. She married her best friend in 1990. In 2002, they moved to Okeechobee to raise their three sons. Her husband was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who lost his life in an accident in 2016. She has worked as a realtor here in Okeechobee County for 17 years. Faith has volunteered in many community events and worked as an election worker since 2006. In 2017, she became Okeechobee County’s Deputy Supervisor of Elections. Faith has also worked as a substitute teacher in our local schools. Her years of experience, dedication and commitment to Okeechobee has given Faith opportunities to develop and form relationships with many members of our community.

• Out of an abundance of caution, the Arts & Culture Alliance has decided to cancel the 2020 Top of the Lake Art Fest and the Taste of Okeechobee. We want to assure our artists, vendors, restaurants, businesses and the community that we want to hold these two events in a safe manner. The events will return in 2022 - Save the date: Feb. 5 and 6.

• Speckled Perch Festival will be held on Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Speckled Perch Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Festivities will include arts and crafts, handcrafted goods, vendors, activities, music and food. Vendor and parade applications are available at www.okeechobeemainstreet.org or at the OKMS office. OKMS will be practicing all COVID-19 safety measures in order to provide a safe environment.

• The Cattle Drive Sculpture Project is progressing. There is still time to donate to the project at gofundme or www.okeechobeemainstreet.org.

• OKMS is seeking volunteers for the Arts & Culture Art Center. Contact OKMS to discover the many ways you can volunteer.