ArtsFest
The annual Walnut Street festival approaches—this time, with a doggie-fest the week beforehand.
An accumulation of 150 artists—who use nearly any media they can get their hands on—assures there will be no shortage of variety at this year’s ArtsFest. Previous ArtsFest weekends have brought in artists from Kansas City, St. Louis and Oklahoma City. Because of the previous lack of local artists, organizers have been working to get more of them festing this year. Other new things at ArtsFest 2008:• A green theme. Garbage cans will be replaced with recycling bins.
• The highly popular Arf Fest has been moved. The pet festival will be held on Commercial Street the Sunday before ArtsFest, boasting not one, but two dog parades. Certainly don’t hang up those doggie duds; Max will still have the opportunity to compete for best dressed and other awards at Arf Fest.
Not to worry, pet-lovers: Dogs and other pets are still permitted at ArtsFest itself. “They’re by no means banned because of Arf Fest moving,” says organizer Erin Russell, of Urban Districts Alliance, which manages ArtsFest for Springfield Regional Arts Council. As with last year’s festival, pet owners must sign waivers attesting that they’re responsible for their animals before entering the festival. Once that’s complete, pets are allowed in and even get a green ribbon to wear that matches the “art goes green” theme of this year’s event. As a point of etiquette, owners of animals are asked not to take them inside the artists’ booths (don’t want Fido lifting his leg on the wearable silk art, presumably).
Along with all the fascinating art on display and for sale, there are three must-see events this year:
• A recycled-material sculpture garden will feature displays primarily made by local high schools.
• A hands-on area for children will feature hat-making and rain barrel–painting.
• The Springfield Symphony will perform Saturday in Jordan Valley Park after ArtsFest comes to a close.
Wanna Go?
What: ArtsFest 2008
Where: Historic Walnut Street (west of National Ave.), Springfield
When: May 3, 10 a.m to 6 p.m., and May 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $5 at the door. $3 in advance (locations for advance ticket sales were TBA at press time). Children younger than 10 are free.
More info: Visit springfieldarts.org/artsfest or contact the Springfield Regional Arts Council at 417-862-2787
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story appearing in the print edition of 417 Magazine contained fact mistakes as to whether pets were allowed at Arts Fest. We regret the error.
