WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 56th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival in Fairhope

FFAIRHOPE, AL, March 15, 2008 - - Spring time is probably the most favorite season of the year and it couldn’t be nicer than in Fairhope, Alabama, where thousands of beautiful azaleas are in full bloom. The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce proudly announces that Ted Ellis from Texas was awarded Best of Show at the 56th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival in Fairhope, an Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce event. The festival took place March 14, 15 & 16, 2008.

Other awards presented were:

Chairman’s Award – Adam Specter, New York
Chamber’s Award – Ron & Sherry Blackenship, Oklahoma
Photography – Robert Jones, Georgia
Graphics – Wendy Hill, Wisconsin
Jewelry – Elaine Rader, Georgia
Painting – Phillip Thompson, Louisiana
Pottery – Chuck Solbert, Minnesota
Sculpture – Royal Miree, Alabama
Watercolor – Jim Wilshire, Georgia
Functional Craft – Andrew Wender, Florida
Functional Craft – Mary Ann Jefferson, Alabama
Decorative Craft – Kim Eubank & Will Armstrong, Virginia
Decorative Craft – Peter Lloyd, Mississippi
Jury Award – Glenn Woods, Florida
State’s Choice – Pam Bailey, Alabama
Merit Award – Evie & Lauren Davis, Florida
Merit Award – Michael Bond, Wisconsin
Merit Award – Elly Hobgood, Georgia
Merit Award – Steven Dickerson, Texas
Merit Award – Jason Stoddart, Tennessee
Eastern Shore Art Center Award – Tres Taylor, Alabama
Eastern Shore Chamber Award to Outdoor Show – Larry Allen, Alabama

The total amount cash awarded was $14,500, which includes 50 Patron Awards.

Over 216 exhibitors from throughout the nation brought their best works to show and sell at this prestigious juried show. Live entertainment was going on throughout the three-day event on the festival stage and unique cuisine was served up in the food court.

It all took place on the streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope, Ala. This year the event attracted approximately 250,000 people to the area. The show was voted as #10 out of the top 100 Best Predominantly Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Next Year’s festival is scheduled for the third weekend in March on the 20, 21 & 22, 2009. For more information, call the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at (251) 621-8222.