Annual Artisan Fair

Start: Saturday, May 24, 2025 9:00AM
End: Saturday, May 24, 2025 3:00PM

South Coastal AARP Artisans Fair Supports Arts and Scholarships The annual Artisans Fair, highlighting the work of regional artists, is a highlight of the Memorial Day weekend, features exquisite pottery and ceramics; textiles including embroidery, quilting, kitchen items, handbags, and knitted baby items; jewelry in various media; handmade wood items, including furniture, wall hangings, and hand-carved and hand-painted wildlife; metalwork; home décor; photography; fine art; stained glass and more. Proceeds from the event, sponsored by the South Coastal DE AARP chapter, provide college scholarships to area students. “We have many of our long-time exhibitors returning, but we also have an array of first-time exhibitors who will show work of exceptional quality. We are looking forward to a very exciting show,” said Ida Crist, the chairperson of the Artisans Fair. In its 15th year, the Artisans Fair has grown considerably since it was started in 2008. The exhibitors are located in three areas on the Lord Baltimore school property. Inside exhibitors are in the school’s gymnasium (Building A) and the cafeteria (Building B); outdoor artisan exhibitors are in the athletic field (Area C), where a Farmers Market will also be held from 9 a.m. until at least 1 p.m., featuring fresh produce, food products, garden supplies and plants. A baked goods sale and a raffle of items that exhibitors donate to the event is in the cafeteria (Building B). In the gymnasium (Building A) is a 50-50 cash raffle, Cripple Creek golf package raffle and an Information Desk for exhibitors, volunteers and attendees. “Coastal themes and sea life are prevalent in the jewelry, fine art, photography, ceramics, home décor and other categories, which is a unique feature of our show,” Crist said. A van will provide transportation from and to offsite overflow parking lots located at Mariners Global Methodist Church on Central Ave. and Miken Builders on Cedar Drive, both in Ocean View. Cucina Veloce Food Truck will offer fresh pasta, salads, sandwiches and beverages, and Rita’s Ice will offer frozen treats. Each year South Coastal DE AARP gives two scholarships to seniors at Indian River High School and four scholarships each semester to adult students 25 years and older attending Delaware Technical School and Community College. Admission to the fair and parking are free.