Meredith gearing up for Arts and Crafts Festival

MEREDITH — The Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Meredith Village Savings Bank will present the 35th annual Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23 and 24.

This event will transform the Main Street of the quaint lakeside village of Meredith as well as the upper parking lot of the Mill Falls Marketplace into an outdoor art gallery featuring the works of more than 70 painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters, photographers, and quilters. Spectators will be impressed with the variety and quality of exhibits this Festival has to offer. Booths will display wildlife photography, metal and wood sculptures, stained glass, handmade jewelry, baskets, leather projects, and abstract and traditional oil painting and watercolors. All items are original creations and the artists and craftsmen will be available throughout the weekend to meet and converse with customers.

This year a booth sponsored by the Lakes Region Art Association will showcase local artists as well as provide art activities for the youngsters.

Over the years, the festival has gained a solid reputation among New England arts and craftsmen and is the largest quality arts and crafts event in the area. Performing at this year's event on both Saturday and Sunday will be Marc Elbaum and Christine Chaisson who will play jazz, classic rock and great American songs from the 1950s, '60s and '70s. At 11a.m. on Saturday, Simplicity The Clown will entertain the younger fairgoers as well as adults with comedy magic and balloon entertainment. Phil and Janet Sanguedolce will round out both Saturday and Sunday afternoons with classic folk and rock music.

Culinary delights and tasty treats will be available from the Meredith Kiwanis Club, the Chocorua Lodge of Masons, and the Sno Streakers. Featured will be the popular sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, soda, homemade pies and ice cream, and sno cones.

Free shuttle bus service will be available from both the north and south sides of Route 3 and will run continuously both days. Admission is free and for more detailed information contact the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce at 603-279-6121.