The new producer of the Filberg Festival has more than 25 years of experience staging major events and promotions, says the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association.

With her extensive background in event management, Susan Lewis brings to the table a creative approach, vast industry resources, and an impeccable eye for detail, the association said this week in a news release.

Her marketing and event management company, Lewis & Sears, produces and manages the Party at the Pier, which has been voted Best Community and Music Festival in North Vancouver for the past five years.

Lewis replaces Sylvia Allan, who was the festival鈥檚 producer for almost a quarter of a century before stepping down late last year.

鈥淭he board of the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association is delighted to welcome Susan to this position and feel sure that she will add her own particular flair and character to this year鈥檚 festival while maintaining superior crafts, excellent food venues, and great entertainment that is continuing under direction from Bobbie Blue,鈥� said board chair Nina Goodman.

鈥淚 am very proud to be associated with the largest juried outdoor arts and crafts festival in Western Canada,鈥� Lewis added. 鈥淎s the festival moves into its 29th year it will be a great opportunity to get involved and implement some fresh ideas to ensure the continued success of this well-established event.鈥�

Since its beginnings 29 years ago, the principal objective of the Filberg Festival has been to encourage excellence in all forms of arts and crafts, and to assist in the promotion and sale of quality work, said the association.

Set among the stately trees and gardens of the Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox, the Filberg Festival is truly a unique event, the news release added.

Gate admission is charged at the Filberg Festival, as it is the primary fundraiser for the not-for-profit organization, which has the responsibility of repairing and maintaining the heritage property and buildings.

More than 300 people volunteer annually to make this event a reality.

Artisan applications for the 2011 Festival are accepted until Feb. 18.

For more details, visit www.filbergfestival.com/pdf/2011JuryApp.pdf.

The 2011 festival happens July 29 to Aug. 1.