Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- Each year, downtown Effingham is transformed into an artist’s mecca as artists from all over the region set up shop on the lawn of the Historic Court House Museum and surrounding downtown area in Effingham. This year we are very excited to be celebrating the 14th annual Effingham Artisan Fair!
The Effingham Artisan Fair kicks off Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4th. Come out Friday night and join the Effingham community in a celebration of the arts. This event features an “Artist Soft Opening,” where a majority of the artists will display their art for the community one day early. From 5 to 8 p.m. a variety of events will be held to raise awareness for the arts in the community, including a live art auction benefiting Community Support Systems (C.S.S.), not-for-profit community informational booths and dance performances by Exclusively Dance. The dance performances will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Fourth Street. The C.S.S. Art Auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. along Washington Avenue, near the wine and beer tasting tent. New this year, Jamie Stang-Ellis with Stang Arts will do a live paint performance immediately following the art auction. We are also excited to have an additional activity for the kids this year. The Mill Road Thesherman Association is sponsoring free tractorpulled barrel rides on Fourth Street on Friday and Saturday. We also have great live music to look forward to from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m. on Friday night and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the wine and beer tent area. Russ Howard will be performing on Friday evening and Jeff Corman, Abby Dietzen and Elizabeth Kabbes and Dakota Danielle will be performing Saturday. In addition, we’ve brought back whiskey sampling to the popular wine and beer sampling event. You can again look forward to walking the Courthouse Square while enjoying your drinks. Friday evening will also include a food fair featuring Dad’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ, The Lunch Box, The Sausage Haus and The Dog (Friday only). We’re also offering some specialty food for all you food-lovers, including Oma Gisi’s German Bakery, Homewood Grill, The Cookie Jar, Toppins Soft Serve and Macklin MeadowKettle Corn both Friday and Saturday.
Come back downtown Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Artisan Fair where downtown is transformed into an art gallery with works from over 30 artists, on display for purchase. The Sculpture on the Avenues outdoor exhibition will officially open this weekend too. Stop by the Information Booth for a Culture Guide and walk downtown and learn more about the beautiful sculptures in our city.
Artwork for sale includes oil paintings, pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. Several artists will demonstrate their craft at the event.
As mentioned, as part of the event, the Artisan Fair features wine, beer and whiskey sampling. There will be regional wineries and several different craft beers available for sampling. This event will open from 5 – 10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday.
Other activities during the Artisan Fair on Saturday include the Kids Korner, tractor-pulled barrel rides, food fair, and live musical entertainment near the wine tent. Check out the Effingham Artisan Fair’s website for more details on times at www.effinghamartisanfair.com.
The Effingham Artisan Fair continues to be a favorite with new events and booths added each year. Come out to support our community and enjoy the arts!
For more information about the Artisan Fair, phone 800-772-0750 or 217-342-5310. Also, visit www.effinghamartisanfair.com or our Facebook page “Effingham Artisan Fair.”
