For more than 20 years, people from around the Capital District have enjoyed the unique items and atmosphere at the Round Lake Arts and Crafts Festival, and this weekend, people will once again have the chance to be part of the popular gathering.
It happens to be a wonderful way to spend a morning or an afternoon, said Nancy Theissen of the Women’s Round Lake Improvement Society, a women’s civic organization that began more than 100 years ago.
The group is sponsoring the festival to help support the continuing operation of the Round Lake Library, which serves the residents of the town of Malta.
`[The festival] helps raise funds to allow more programs for the children, building maintenance, and day-to-day expenses,` said Theissen.
The festival will offer a variety of vendors.
`It’s a great place to get a unique gift that you won’t get at a department store or a gift shop,` said Judy Allman of Allman Promotions, the organization that helps to gather artists for the festival. `These crafters are coming from quite a distance, some from out of state.`
Added Allman, `[we have] quite a large mailing list.`
In fact, more than 200 different artists are expected to show up for the festival this weekend.
`The show has a nice following ` we have everything from art, pottery, to sewn clothing,` said Allman.
It is precisely that art, jewelry, ironwork, pottery and furniture that have made the festival so popular.
There will also be `a good selection of festival food and drink,` said Allman.
Musician Don Thomas will perform.
`He will play and offer his music for sale,` said Allman. `It adds a nice flair to the festival.`
Free to the public, the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.18, and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19.
Parking will be available around the town as well as at the Malta Mall, where a shuttle bus will ferry people to and from the festival.
For information, contact Allman Promotions at (315) 430-8296 or the Round Lake Library at 899-2285.
Organizers are encouraging those who stop by the festival to explore the locale as well.
`Round Lake is a little Victorian village of about 200 homes, each with unique architecture,` said Theissen.
`There’s ambience in the town,` adds Allman. `Enjoy the music, enjoy the food, and take a break in the sun.`
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