Watch: https://youtu.be/8piNimZb_k8 

Visit: https://www.orangeblossomrevue.com/ 

Reid Hardman, co-founder of the Orange Blossom Revue (OBR) and Vice President of the Blossom Charitable Foundation, shares the evolution of a beloved Lake Wales event and its impact on the community, particularly within the educational sphere.

Hardman recounts how OBR began as a humble Rotary barbecue fundraiser in 2008, slowly transforming into a full-fledged music festival by 2014. What started as a shared passion for music between Hardman and co-founder Rusty Ingley blossomed into a dynamic event. The Blossom Charitable Foundation, established in 2021, now hosts OBR, taking on the significant risk to ensure its continued success. Hardman emphasizes that at its core, OBR is a ”love letter to Lake Wales,” deeply rooted in the community and family traditions.

The festival's educational impact shines through its extensive volunteer program, involving over a hundred individuals annually, including many students from local high schools and colleges like Warner and Weber. Hardman highlights how OBR provides real-world experience, teaching students responsibility, communication skills, and the importance of community engagement—skills crucial for their future. Hardman and Rusty initially envisioned an entrepreneurial market for middle schoolers, demonstrating their commitment to fostering youth development beyond mere volunteer hours.

Hardman also details the Foundation's direct contributions to educational programs, notably supporting Sandy's Music Girls, an initiative bringing music to young girls. The exposure for college students assisting with the festival is immense, offering practical experience that stands out on resumes. Hardman speaks with pride about Lake Wales' unique identity, which OBR helps to preserve and promote, drawing visitors from across the globe. He champions the Lake Wales Charter School system for its flexibility and ability to adapt to the community's diverse needs, aligning with the distinctive spirit of Lake Wales itself. OBR, under Hardman’s guidance, continues to be a vibrant force for community building and youth empowerment in the educational landscape of Lake Wales.

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