How the Carlton Landing Foundation Brings Events to Life

In Episode 33 of the Carlton Landing podcast, we sat down with Alice Canada, Executive Director of the Carlton Landing Foundation, and Rachel Bennett, the Foundation’s Vendor Coordinator. Together, they offered a behind-the-scenes look at how the Foundation plans and executes some of the most beloved events in Carlton Landing.

Whether you're a first-time guest or a longtime homeowner, this episode pulled back the curtain on the creativity, logistics, and heart that go into making Carlton Landing’s events so special.

A Year-Round Calendar of Joy

The Carlton Landing Foundation offers a wide variety of events—from porch concerts to cardboard boat races—and their calendar is carefully crafted a full year in advance. Major weekends like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day include cornerstones like the pop-up shops, movie nights, food trucks, and live music.

But there's more than just summer fun. Events like Wellness Weekend, the Garden Series, and even nature walks give visitors a chance to slow down and connect with the community—and each other—through thoughtful, meaningful experiences.

Pop-Ups with Personality

Rachel has played a key role in expanding the vendor community. Since stepping into her role, she’s onboarded 30–40 new vendors, ranging from sourdough bakers and artists to leather patch hat makers and spoon jewelry creators. Many vendors now offer experiential elements like live demonstrations or on-site customization, adding depth and personality to the pop-up experience.

To keep things fresh, pop-up shops are offered on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings—with evening hours added for holiday weekends. And yes, there’s live music every Saturday during the season!

Cardboard Boat Regatta: A Summer Highlight

One standout event that’s grown in popularity is the Cardboard Boat Regatta held over Labor Day weekend. Teams build boats entirely out of cardboard and race them in the lake—some successfully, others hilariously not. Awards go not just to the fastest but also to the most spectacular sinking and best sportsmanship. It’s a community favorite that combines creativity, teamwork, and just the right amount of chaos.

Constantly Evolving, Always Improving

From shifting Porchfest’s layout to adjusting event start times, the Foundation is committed to evolving based on community feedback. New additions like game nights before movies, expanded Easter egg hunt locations, and donation-based programming have all come from listening to what residents and guests want.

They’ve even introduced a general feedback form available on their website and regularly send out post-event surveys to improve future planning.

Supporting the Local Economy

By cultivating relationships with regional artisans, food truck operators, and instructors, the Foundation helps fuel a small-town economy that thrives on quality, craftsmanship, and connection. Whether it’s a silversmith making custom jewelry or a food truck serving up blackberry gouda burgers, the emphasis is on variety and intentionality.

The Foundation also offers a $250 annual business membership, which includes promotion on their website and social channels, helping to spotlight the small businesses that support Carlton Landing’s vibrant atmosphere.

The Heart Behind It All

At the core of the Foundation’s mission is connection—families connecting with each other, guests connecting with nature and art, and community members rallying to make each event memorable. Volunteers, porch hosts, and even homeowners who allow a bounce house to plug in during Porchfest all play a part in the magic.

And for Alice, the most rewarding moments often come from unexpected places—like watching a child’s delight at movie night, hearing a family say it was their best vacation ever, or seeing an Instagram story tagged with one of their events.

Want to get involved? Visit CarltonLandingFoundation.org to view the event calendar, join the pop-up shop Facebook group HERE, or explore volunteer opportunities.

PS: If you’ve never seen a cardboard boat race… this might be the year to change that.

Planning your next visit to Carlton Landing?
Make your weekend extra memorable by staying at The Lodge on Twinkle Lane . It’s the perfect home base for walking to pop-up shops, movie nights, and all the magic the Foundation has planned. Bring your people, stay near the action, and make yourself at home.