Leather Digest

This weekend, November 16, the annual Cypress Lakes Community Fall and Winter Festival brought families and neighbors together for a day of celebration. The event featured activities for children including carnival games, bounce houses, and face painting ensuring plenty of fun for the youngest festivalgoers.

With family enjoyment at the center, adults had just as much to look forward to, from food trucks to family portrait stations, as local vendors showcased their best work for the community. Each year, residents participate in the market with everything from homemade jewelry to holiday décor, creating a space for neighbors to connect, support local talent, and spread holiday cheer.

Among them was Eva, owner of My Unique Crafts who shared a piece of her heritage through her family’s beloved coquito recipe. “It’s a passed-down family recipe from my mother to my grandmother, to me,” she said. “It’s unique. It’s very similar to the one they sell out there, but mine is the best. It’s less sweet; the taste is much better.” Having lived in the community for twenty-four years, Eva proudly continues the tradition yearly: “I’ve been here every year that they’ve celebrated.”

Ariana, a local student and owner of Apple of My Evil Eye, also shared her excitement about presenting the handmade jewelry she has spent months creating. “My mom got me my first jewelry-making set to make a little charm bracelet, and then I just wanted more beads and wanted to try different designs I’d seen online and then it turned into this.” Her story is a nod to the importance of support systems and the opportunity that local markets provide for new creators. She laughs, “I don’t know if she’s happy she got me the charm bracelet set or if she regrets it, but either way, this is where we’re at.”

As the day came to an end, the Cypress Lakes Community Fall and Winter Festival once again proved why it remains a beloved annual tradition.