This has long been one of my favorite festivals. This year, not so much. The exceptional work just wasn't there. There were many fine artists there but nothing breathtaking as there has been in the past.
The really good news---last year you couldn't get near the stone duck booth. This year, it was empty. I never saw any patrons in it. I also never saw anyone carrying any stone birds of any type. (I was at the festival both Saturday and Sunday)
The not so good news---a new yard art booth that seems to be franchised like the stone birds. I was suckered completely because the items are made of what looks like recycled material and what they sell is actually a lot of fun. The prices are exceptionally attractive. I am not trying to start another debate but since they were at both shows I went to this weekend, and they knew each other, I am wondering if the product isn't produced through kits of some kind like the stone birds. They were busy the whole time I was there.
I didn't see a lot of packages being carried either day although one large sculpture was gone on Sunday when I went to look at it again.
There were a lot of new artists there. This is pretty typical of this festival. Unfortuneately, a lot of the new ones weren't as good as in previous years.
I am confident that this is just a blip and not a trend for one of my top 5 festivals.
(the many dogs were not only well behaved but they were of exceptional quality)
Comments
Saw your comments re Highland Park and thought to myself, "ah ha, perhaps I've found someone who knows all about Illinois craft fairs." I've been trying to find out whatever I can about The Country Folk Art Festival in St. Charles in Sept. There seems to be very little info floating around about it. So, if you're familiar with it, know anything about it, every heard of it, I'd be forever grateful if you could fill me in. Thank you.