59TH ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL PLANNING UNDERWAY Volunteer Committee Readies for Best Ever Show

The 59th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival planning committee is working hard to prepare for the best show ever. The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce event, scheduled for March 18, 19 & 20, 2011, is held in Fairhope the third weekend of March each year. Over 100 volunteers, representing service clubs, chamber businesses and individuals, participate in the event.

Over 200 exhibitors from throughout the nation will bring their juried arts and crafts to this prestigious show. Live entertainment will be going on throughout the three-day event and unique cuisine will be served in the food court. It all takes place on the streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope, Alabama. Last year the event attracted more than 250,000 visitors to the area. The festival was chosen as one of the top events in the state for March by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel, and it was voted as #20 out of 100 Best Predominantly Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2009.

“The Arts & Crafts Festival in Fairhope has a national reputation for southern hospitality displayed by our wonderful committee, volunteers, the city and local businesses,” said Darrelyn Bender, president/CEO of the Chamber. “The economic impact of this festival is felt along the entire Eastern Shore.”

One way companies and individuals can get their name out there and help the participating artist & craftsmen as well, is to participate in the Patron of the Arts Award program during the festival. All one has to do is agree ahead of time to purchase a minimum of $100 from one of the artists. Once purchased, a placard will be placed at the vendor’s booth and the artist will be able to display a ribbon in their honor.

Festival hours are 10 am - 5 pm daily and there is no admission charge. For information about sponsorship or about the festival in general call (251) 621-8222.