Get Ready For the Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival!

The weekend we’ve all been waiting for is almost here! Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 is the 32nd Annual Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival! Over 300 crafters, artists and unique food vendors will be filling Honolulu Avenue from one end to the other. Colorful tents are artfully arranged and displayed with an abundance of handmade, quality goods ready for you to purchase. There are so many that I recommend coming both days to shop all the crafters and the stores who also gear up for the big event … this year there are over 45 new vendors! There are also 40 phenomenal handmade jewelry vendors! Owning two stores, I cover all the fashion and home décor markets yet every year I look forward to buying a “bunch of loot” at Arts & Crafts because you find irresistible things and get to meet the crafters. It is such tremendous fun! Now here’s the plan: Come with a friend, wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring a big bag to hold all your purchases. If you get too warm, take a break and enjoy the a/c as you shop our over 150 “one-of-a-kind” boutiques and cafes … one-of-a-kind pillows, fabric handbags, garden markers, pottery, wine décor, spices, mixes, vinegars, oils, beach hats, tie dyed tops, summer dresses, hanging planters, violets in pots, wind chimes, wall art, sterling silver, wooden signs, and much, much more will all be here. Can’t wait!!!

And then there’s the festival food! There’s nothing like the smell of grilled hot dogs, burgers and chicken filling the air as you shop. Make sure to save room for Mr. Fudge, one of many “must try” booths. Once a year they bring their authentic  Mackinac Island fudge to Montrose. The fudge is made by hand in copper kettles following a recipe that is over 112 years old and part of the Legend of Mackinac Island. Try a sample and experience the creamy consistency. Then follow it up with some Papa Nacca’s cowboy-style jerky made of the finest ingredients like grass fed beef. They have quite a following so load up!

Meet me back here next week and I’ll share some more “inside” info and festival tips.  Thanks for shopping the small stores of Montrose and keepin’ it local. For more info, see www.shopmontrose.com.

  Mary Dawson