Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
September 21, 2007
One of the great things about living in a small town like O’Fallon is the opportunity to get together with your neighbors for special events. The traditional parades and carnivals during the year provide lasting memories for kids of all ages. Well, mark your calendar for another family event that’s coming to O’Fallon.
The second annual Strange Folk Indie Arts and Crafts Festival is tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beware, because this isn't your typical country craft fair. What exactly is a Strange Folk Festival? The festival’s web site states: “What sets us apart from other crafts shows? Our counter-culture aesthetics and that we absolutely do not allow importers, antiques dealers, or companies that practice far-removed mass production. You also won't see any ducks in bonnets, apple baskets or teddy bear knick knacks...unless they are pirate teddy bears ;).”
You may be asking “Why a Strange Folk Festival?” An important element of quality of life in a community is the opportunity for residents to get together and meet their neighbors. With the many different kinds of fairs, festivals, and craft shows throughout the year, it is difficult to find something that is distinctive and will bring out a crowd. Strange Folk is one of the only indie craft shows in the St. Louis area and has vendors from throughout the country.
We have been thrilled with the interest in the festival. This is the second year, so we are building on the success from last year. So far, we have approved more than 90 artisans and emerging talent displaying their wares.
The Strange Folk Arts & Crafts Festival is presented by the City of O'Fallon Arts Commission and the Parks & Recreation Department. I hope that you and your family can attend this fun festival and let us know what we can do to make it even better next year.
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