By Misty DUPLESSIS

Local residents are gearing up for the annual Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival that is set to take place this weekend in the 2200, 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue.

“We close the whole town down because there are so many vendors. Some are on the north side and some are on the south side. It’s a huge festival,” said Festival Coordinator Dee Overton.

Hosted by the Montrose Shopping Park Association, proceeds raised from the arts & crafts festival help fund other association events throughout the year.

During this free event, visitors will have many opportunities to purchase handcrafted items from jewelry to wood pieces to ceramic masterpieces as well as one-of-a-kind clothing. Little ones will have fun in the children’s activity area.

Over 300 local and out-of-state vendors will provide goods and merchandise that will please all types of shoppers.

The MSPA expects an estimated 25,000 people to make their way through the two-day festival.

On Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 attendees can expect to start shopping at 10 a.m. Merchants will be in the streets until 6 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday the park will host the event until 5 p.m. Sunday shoppers can double the fun by visiting the festival and the weekly Montrose Harvest Market.

Time should be set aside to check out the stores along Honolulu Avenue as well.

“All the local stores will be opened those two days, so people can go in the stores, they can go to the vendors on the street, everything is opened,” said Overton.

Guests will also hear entertaining live music and enjoy a variety of delicious, international foods provided by the handful of food vendors and local restaurants at tables set up throughout the event.

The Annual Arts & Crafts Festival will attract all types of shoppers from the window shopper to the seasoned deal finder as well as the food lover.

  MISTY DUPLESSIS