Shelburne Art and Craft Festival-Wow! What news!

2012 was our first year back in Shelburne, VT and were not entirely please with the outcome. The 4000 people who attended were a good start, but not good enough. We have moved aggressively to improve the show and want to share some details with you.

In 2013 we have formed a partnership with Americade, a company that produces a Hot Air Balloon event. Their event in Shelburne drew about 4000 people its first year. With these two events combined, we have the potential to draw much larger crowds. Working together will also allow us to increase ads, entertainment and other activities. The 2013 Festival will be renamed The Vermont Balloon and Craft Festival.

For the first year, a ticket will be only $8.00 and will allow you into the Festival, which includes both crafts and balloons. There will be balloon launches Saturday and Sunday. These will attract additional people who will have a good reason to visit the art and craft section. In addition to balloon launches, on Saturday evening there will be a balloon “glow” inside the Museum. To enjoy any of these balloon activities, which are in the same area as the Craft Tents, a ticket to the Craft show is required.

Festival hours will be 10 to 5 on Friday, 10 to 7 on Saturday and 10 to 5 on Sunday. These new hours will take advantage of the additional traffic from the balloons. The balloon launches will do a lot in increase attendance Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

There will be  strong media campaign to advertise the show.  The local media have already embraced the Festival with promises of intense coverage.  WCAX, the preeminent local television station and WEZF, the local powerhouse radio station, will be media sponsors of the Festival.

We truly expect this Festival to be “the” signature summer event in the entire Burlington area. Once again, the Shelburne Craft School will join us offering many craft demos over the three days. They will also organize the Taste of Shelburne on Sunday afternoon.

There are too many things to explain fully. But, you can bet this will be a much improved show. As a bonus, you get free admission to the Shelburne Museum.  You are invited inside the Museum grounds for the “glow” on Saturday evening. It is rather a magical experience. There will be an exhibitor party after the show Saturday evening before the glow. One lucky exhibitor will win a balloon ride, high, high into the sky, overlooking Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks and Green Mountains.

If you have not already signed up for this show, please consider doing so.click here to go to our online app.