Do You Love Craft Fairs?

Do you love craft fairs like I do? What is it about craft fairs that attracts us? Why do we go? I used to dabble in crafts and often think I’d like to get back into it, but then I tell myself, “Who are you kidding? You can barely keep up with what you already do.” So instead, I go to see what wonderful things other artists have created.

Do you love craft fairs? Main Street Jackson, CA, for Dandelion DaysCraft fairs range from small local events with a few crafters to huge events with hundreds of crafters that take over entire towns, like in the case of Candy Dance. These larger events usually include entertainment and lots of food. They are almost like going to the circus and are great fun for the whole family.

The two-day Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dandelion Days Celebration is a very popular local event. So popular that it goes on rain or shine and, if it does rain, folks come with their rain hoods and umbrellas. We didn’t have to worry about rain this year. The weather was just about perfect. With all the rain we’ve had this year, that was pretty amazing.

Main Street in Jackson was closed down and filled with vendors and crafters. There was a food court with a live band and a flea market section. You could start each morning with a pancake breakfast and there was even a 5K. It is the Jackson Lions Club’s largest fundraiser, which supports student scholarships and community events.

Live Entertainment at Dandelion DaysAt craft fairs, I’m always looking for new, unique, original items, especially jewelry. A strange obsession, I guess, since I wear very little of it these days. I’m also a sucker for kitchen accessories and gadgets.Earrings from Molly B. of Tahoe Fire Glass

I love dichroic glass and have been wanting a pair of earrings for quite a while. I also love twisted wire jewelry so when I found Molly B. of Tahoe Fire Glass at Apple Hill last year, I was pretty excited. She is the only artist I’ve seen who combines dichroic glass and twisted wire. I loved so much of her stuff I couldn’t decide what to get so I decided to go back later. And I FORGOT. I was pretty happy when hers was one of the first booths I came across at Dandelion Days. I didn’t buy right away, but this time I didn’t forget to go back.

Some of our other fun finds were lawn art for Kelly and flavored mustards from Murphys Mustard for both of us.

Colorful lawn and yard art at Dandelion DaysMurphys Mustard at Dandelion DaysIn addition to the food court, a couple of the restaurants along Main Street were selling food on the sidewalk. We bought sausage sandwiches from Mother Lode Market and Deli and ate lunch on the curb while we watched passersby.

Lunch from Mother Lode Deli - Italian sausage sandwich, chips, cookie and a drinkThe event is very family and dog (and sheep?) friendly.

Most craft fairs are family and dog friendlyNot all craft fairs are sheep friendly!You’ll always find craft fairs on my schedule. The two biggest near me that I try to attend are Candy Dance in Genoa, Nevada, and Harvest Festival in Sacramento.

Are you a crafter? Do you have a favorite craft fair? Tell me in the comments!

Until next time…



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2 Comments

  1. Can’t wait for Candy Dance. My favorite!

  2. Hi,
    I just moved to the Volcano area from the Bay Area. I am an artist whose medium primarily is etched glass. I was a Mountian folk artist at the Kings Mountian Fair in Woodside for the past 6 years. 90% of my designs are original, I take unwanted glass like mirrors,vases, glasses, etc. and turn them into beautiful works of art. I also do consignment work. My latest new thing is to take 100 yr old bottles and new and turn them into one of a kind hummingbirds feeders. I am looking forward to the art fairs and maybe a vendor when this COVID-19 is over.

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