The Shawano County Arts and Crafts Fair will celebrate its 45th anniversary Sunday at Mielke Park, and art fair director Cheryl Folkerts said the event has remained loyal to its popular format.
“I don’t think it has changed much in 45 years,” Folkerts said. “We try to keep it an enjoyable day for both the artists and the customers.”
Folkerts, who has been in charge of the event for about 18 years, said that while many fairs have gone to a flea-market approach that does not include prizes for participants, the Shawano County fair has stuck close to its roots.
“I think we are kind of unique,” Folkerts said. “We kind of go back to the old model from the ’60s and the old-time art fairs. Our artists and crafters love it because you don’t find that very often anymore.”
This year’s event will feature a wide variety of artists from around the state, including several Shawano participants.
“We have an artist from Stevens Point and even a carver from Oconto Falls,” Folkerts said. “It’s a big variety. We have a man that paints portraits, all the way to people who do sewing, embroidery and quilts.”
Ribbons and monetary checks will be awarded to the top three artists in both the arts and crafts categories, and a Best of Show award will also be announced.
Green Valley resident Alex Majeski, who has brought his pottery to the Shawano County Arts and Crafts Fair for about 35 years, said he enjoys the event and how it is set up in Mielke Park.
“I like the venue by the cedars in the park,” Majeski said. “And as the trees continue to grow there is more and more shade.”
“People enjoy just walking through the park,” Folkerts said. “When you can walk and see art all over and be able to shop and eat at the same time, people enjoy that.”
There is no admission fee for visitors attending the fair, but donations are welcome, said Mary-Beth Kuester, president of the Shawano County Arts Council, which sponsors the event.
Proceeds go toward funding the Shawano County Art Council programs held throughout the year.
Kuester said the success of the fair over its 45-year existence has been phenomenal.
“We are just thrilled it’s been going on this long,” she said.
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