Organizers find a sizzling time for art

After the success of last summer's Palm Harbor Craft Festival, even more vendors have signed up for the event. The festival will be Saturday and Sunday in downtown Palm Harbor.

By ROBERT FARLEY

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 7, 2000

PALM HARBOR -- A craft show in July? In Florida?

Some wondered whether the timing of last year's Palm Harbor Craft Festival was such a hot idea. A strong turnout proved the doubters wrong, and now the show is back again even bigger this weekend.

"We didn't know what to expect in the middle of summer in Florida," said Helayne Stillings, the show coordinator. "But it was very well-received. Everyone acts like everyone leaves Florida in the summer. There are some who go north, but there are also tons of residents who live here year-round and don't mind the heat."

Last year's attendance was estimated at 10,000, and that strong showing has drawn new exhibitors. Last year, there were 50 exhibitors. This year, there will be more than 70. They will offer, among other things, calligraphy, pottery, jewelry, metal and wood sculpture, stained glass, wearable art, mixed media, watercolors, photography and wildlife painting.

Prices are expected to range from a couple of dollars to paintings worth several thousand dollars, she said.

"It's not a flea market," Stillings said. "These are professional crafters. They do this for a living."

In addition to crafts, there will be a garden and gourmet market. While there may not be many plants on sale because of the heat, Stillings said, the gourmet market will offer items such as spices, jams and jellies and gourmet garlic.

Live entertainment will be provided by musicians throughout the festival. The musicians -- including harpist Shirley Dominguez, musician and storyteller Pat Surface, steel drum player Doug Walker and keyboardist Kayte Wolf -- will all play simultaneously in different areas of the festival.

"As people stroll through the festival, the music will change, so each area will have its own ambience," Stillings said.

The show is organized by American Craft Endeavors, a private promoter. It is the same outfit that organizes the Palm Harbor craft shows in March and October and the art festival in February. They also put on art and craft shows in Dunedin, New Port Richey and St. Pete Beach.

The festival is free and will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Florida Avenue in historic downtown Palm Harbor, just north of Tampa Road off Alt. U.S. 19. It is co-sponsored by the Downtown Palm Harbor Merchants Association and Downtown Palm Harbor Main Street.

There will be a designated, roped-off parking area for people who come downtown this weekend to use the barber shop and other businesses.

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