Thanks to the quick thinking and coordination of Visit Sebring’s sports consultants, Airstream Ventures, the U.S. Prep Lacrosse Crab Fall Fest was successfully relocated from Florida’s east coast to Lake June Park in Lake Placid at the end of September. The two-day lacrosse showcase brought 286 lacrosse athletes and their families to Highlands County, resulting in an impressive 724 room nights and an estimated $208,000 in economic impact for Highlands County.
This event is a premier lacrosse event designed to give high school lacrosse athletes from across the southern United States an opportunity to gain valuable exposure with college coaches. The showcase featured a weekend of camp-style drills, skill evaluations, and game play under the guidance of college-level recruiters.
“We do events all over the Southeast and this Lake Placid experience was first-class,” said Tom West, event organizer with Crab Fall Fest. “The community really embraced us and our event. We look forward to doing more events in Lake Placid, as this is the perfect home for lacrosse in Central Florida.”
The U.S. Prep Lacrosse is dedicated to promoting lacrosse talent across the Southeastern United States, reporting on standout athletes, college commitments, and rising stars in the sport. Their showcases and tournaments, including the Project South Showcase and Tournament, provide a platform for player development and exposure.
The Highlands County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Visit Sebring continue to support and attract youth and amateur sporting events that bring visitors and economic benefits to the region. The success of this event highlights Highlands County’s growing reputation as a prime venue for athletic events and sports tourism in Central Florida.
“An opportunity for us to land a sports tourism event at any Highlands County location is a win for all of us as these attendees bring economic activity to our county,” said Highlands County Tourism Director Casey Hartt. “Many thanks to the Town of Lake Placid for moving quickly to accommodate this event and providing these athletes with a high level of Highlands County hospitality.”
