FORT MYERS, Fla.- On a dreary day in downtown Fort Myers, the 12th year of art fest wrapped up with a bang.
At least 65,000 art lovers packed the pavement throughout the weekend to check out the one of a kind pieces.
"It was really really busy everywhere.. you could drive down a downtown street and there were still people walking around downtown. So I think they wander, go have some lunch and come back," said festival goer Tracy Green.
Art Fest director Sharon McAllister says the show annually brings in nearly a half-million dollars! Local shops get their share too.
"Certainly the businesses downtown restaurants who are open will be standing room only all weekend a lot of them have to close early because they just can't keep up with the food no matter how much they order," McAllister said.
The show has grow drastically over the years... nearly a thousand artists applied to be a part of this art fest with only 200 being accepted.
The size of the event and the benefits that come along with it have earned Art Fest an influence in plans for the new renovated downtown.
"We participate a lot in planning to give input on layout and needs for infrastructure like electricity and things like that. We're really excited. It will change out layout but we'll be able to take advantage of all that water," McAllister continued.
The growth that gets big crowds of buyers to Fort Myers keeps the artists coming back too.
"If you can do an art show that's really well run.. You want to come back. between all the people and how friendly the town is, how well its run its a really great show," said photographer Gary Love.
Artists also competed for a "best in show" award which not only comes with a cash prize.. but guarantees them entry to next years show.
This year only about one in four were accepted to showcase their work.