Led by the Arts Council of Moore County and the Convention and Visitor's Bureau for Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area, the first Palustris Festival was a "huge success," with more than 8,000 people attending 103 events.

"As we strive to make the 2011 Palustris Festival bigger and better, we are excited to make a 'call for events' for the 2011 Palustris Festival on March 24-27," says Chris Dunn, executive director of the ACMC. "For this community-wide arts festival, we are seeking a variety of events that will celebrate and showcase the visual, literary and performing arts in and around Moore County.

"The goal of the Palustris Festival is to offer events that will attract residents and visitors to Moore County and showcase what makes Moore County unique and special: the artists, musicians, and writers we produce locally and attract from all over the world, a variety of art galleries, our unique scenic beauty, our deep-rooted history, world-class golf, bed-and-breakfasts to four-star resorts, eclectic restaurants, boutique retailers and equestrian events.

"In order for Palustris to be successful, we need event partners (local art galleries, arts organizations, businesses, and other groups that present an event during the festival) to participate in many ways, such as presenting a performance, art exhibit, walking tour or other public event."

In order for an event to be endorsed by the Palustris Festival, it must be in line with the festival's focus of "Celebrating Visual, Literary and Performing Arts." Any local venue, including theaters, auditoriums, parks, churches and galleries, may be used for an event.

Event partners must submit one application for each event seeking festival endorsement, which is available to download at www.PalustrisFestival.com.

"The early bird deadline for submitting an application is Sept. 15, which gives your event scheduling priority, maximum marketing exposure, early listing on Palustris' online calendar, and the best chance to have your event bundled in hotel and restaurant packages," says Dunn.

The final deadline for accepting any events is Jan. 7.

If you have any questions about the Palustris Festival or about the events application, contact the Arts Council at (910) 692-2787 or info@palustrisfestival.com.