FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Ellen Charapko
954 547-9014
info@islandcityartwalk.com
www.islandcityartwalk.com
October 10, 2007

WILTON MANORS, FL, October 10, 2007 – After a smashing successful first season, the Island City Art Walk will once again welcome visitors and tourists looking for a fun and casual evening. To kick off the new 2007-08 season, art galleries and numerous businesses in Wilton Manors will feature over 25 artists on Friday, October 19, 2007. Join us from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. along the 1.1 miles of Wilton Drive, commonly known as “The Drive” by the locals.

Last season the Island City Art Walk introduced the eclectic businesses of Wilton Manors to neighboring communities, gave local artists a venue to display their creations and raised the general cultural awareness in the area. Month after month the Island City Art Walk brought visitors from as far away as the Florida Keys and Central Florida. The variety of art included acrylic and oil paintings, photography and custom- made jewelry.

Wilton Manors received immediate attention from the press because of the success of the Island City Art Walk, organized by Mary Ellen Charapko of Island City, Inc. Many of the businesses reported an increase in sales as a result of the event. One in particular reported $22,000 in sales within the three-hour event in December 2006. Artists reported sales all along Wilton Drive, some taking in thousands of dollars.

Visitors can enjoy an early dinner in one of the Island City’s fabulous restaurants and afterwards begin their one mile trek of “the Drive,” which begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served in many of the business locations. A free trolley service (Sun Trolley) will be provided for the evening, sponsored by all of the participating businesses. Friday, October 19th, launches the first, of an ongoing 3rd Friday of the month Island City Art Walk, organized by Island City, Inc.

Wilton Manors is situated between Sunrise and Oakland Park Boulevard East of I-95, west of Federal Highway. Please see Directions/Map page for further information.

Parking is available at Hagen Park, Richardson Park and the Wilton Manors Library on 26th Street and NE 5th Avenue. There is parallel parking along Wilton Drive, and throughout the neighborhood. Kmart, on the corner of NE 6th Avenue and Oakland Park Boulevard is approximately 6 blocks north of Wilton Drive, has also offered available parking.

Recorded information line: 954.568-2567.