Thousands Turn Out for Arts and Crafts Fair

By Mary O’KEEFE

The 41st Annual Montrose Arts and Crafts festival was held last weekend with an estimated 35,000 visitors coming to Montrose.

“I love Montrose,” said shopper Anita (last name withheld for privacy reasons).

She added she was born and raised in Montrose and is now raising her child there. She loves the community feel.

Kirsten, another shopper, said she had raised both her kids in the community and loved that it is a safe, clean small town. 

They both stood in a long line in front of Burnett Pottery, which had a booth at the two-day festival. They shared that they liked the pottery garden items including small ceramic flowers that Kirsten said were perfect for the garden that had little flowers, which offered a great drinking bowl for bees. 

According to MSPA Business Administrator/Events Coordinator Dale Dawson, the event was definitely a success.

“We have never received so many accolades from our vendors as we did this year,” he said. “If they are successful and happy, then we did our jobs. Many were asking to sign up for 2026 on the spot.”

It seemed like every booth had people exploring the arts and crafts offered. Sophisticated Soaps was very busy with their No Mosquito lotion as well as other original body butters. 

The Irish Charm booth was also busy with shoppers looking at ancient Celtic designs in pendants, rings and more. Artist Adam Stone sat comfortably next to his numerous works of art. 

“I started selling on the Venice [boardwalk years ago],” he said. His work was on the higher end of the price tag but he said he does have people buy his work at several of the art events where he travels. He works in mixed mediums including heavy gel, acrylic and spray paint.

Attendees also flocked to the food items for purchase and the stage, set up at the intersection of Ocean View Boulevard and Honolulu Avenue, where popular bands played. These included The Ploughboys and the Beatles cover band Ticket to Ride, bringing dancers to their feet.

The festival volunteers were kept busy helping the more than 250 vendors who were at the event, which was sponsored by the merchants of the Montrose Shopping Park Association.

According to Dawson, everyone involved helped to create the successful event.

“Great teamwork makes for a great event,” he said.