GRAND RIVERS, Ky. — The 2025 Grand Rivers Arts and Crafts Festival was considered wildly successful, according to the Grand Rivers Tourism Commission. This year’s vendor and attendee count ranged higher than previous years, with around 4,000 people at the gate on the first day and 130 vendors total.
While now it is one of the largest and longest-running arts and craft festivals in Western Kentucky, the festival initially started with roughly 20 vendors.
The festival was first launched in 1978 and originally held at Land Between the Lakes. Later, it was purchased by KWW, and eventually, Grand Rivers purchased the venue 30 years ago.
There were multiple artists putting on musical performances all weekend long at the Grand Rivers Arts and Crafts Festival.
According to McDonald, the quality of vendors has increased significantly and now come from a much a larger area spanning the region. The three-day event was chock full of vendors showcasing handmade jewelry, clothing, paintings, home decor and much more, accompanied by food vendors and live musical performances all weekend long.
Hardknot Designs vendor at the arts and crafts festival.
McDonald, and those with the Grand Rivers Tourism Commission, say that this beloved festival not only gives local talent a platform, but is a major boost for tourism overall in Grand Rivers. Many travel from Southern Illinois, Missouri and Indiana to both attend or set up booths yearly.
“In a town of 374 year-round residents to have 360 people come to town is a great boost for us,” McDonald said.
Alexa Black is a reporter for The Herald Ledger. Visit heraldledger.com to read the full article and view all photos.
