‘People’s Choice:’ 30th anniversary of Arts & Crafts festival a success | News, Sports, Jobs

Nearly 200 artisans gathered at Grange Park in Centre Hall to sell an astonishing variety of handmade goods over four days, from July 11-14. Wares included — but were far from limited to — candles, caricature drawings, paintings, cookware, glass pieces, jewelry, clothing, textiles, pottery and sculpture.

“One of the things that makes People’s Choice a little different from most arts festivals — all the artists, entertainers and food vendors are from Pennsylvania. The selection of arts and food are also chosen to suit the budgets of growing families,” organizers wrote.

When the festival began in 1993, only 50 vendors, a few food stands and a handful of performers were involved. Today, the festival features hundreds of artists, about two dozen food vendors and 40 musical acts on two stages.

According to their website, local artist George Marion established the arts festival in Boalsburg as a venue to share Pennsylvanian artists’ creations and to coincide with Stage College’s Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS
Jeff Heilman’s handmade brooms are pictured in a tent at the event.

To celebrate the milestone, the festival created a 30th anniversary memorial tent, complete with memorabilia from over the festival’s history; held a cake cutting, with cake provided by Delectable Delights of Centre Hall; and gave away special 30th anniversary commemorative tote bags, sponsored by Fullington Tours.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS
Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs are pictured.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS
A family gathers to watch a blacksmith hard at work.