By Brandi M. Seals
Northwest Arkansas is known for many things. It is home to Wal-Mart, Tyson and JB Hunt. Its population is growing at a surprisingly rapid rate. And, Northwest Arkansas is famous for its arts and crafts fairs.
The arts and crafts fairs are held twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. They pack them all into two weekends a year. This weekend just happens to be one of those weekends. The area is full of craft fairs. There are several to choose from and they are in a variety of locations.
If you will be in the area any time between today and Sunday, you have an opportunity to check out what local crafters have for sale. Pick up some knick knacks for your home or grab up a quilt to give to your new niece or nephew. There is something for everyone at the numerous craft fairs taking place this weekend.
When you go to a craft fair, you need to be prepared to face a crowd. These things stay busy all day. You will also want to make sure you have cash on hand. I have yet to see a vender accept a credit card though a couple of venders have been known to take checks. Do not keep yourself from getting something you want, have cash on hand to make purchases.
Most people I know prefer to leave the kids at home as it can be hard to keep track of little ones in crowds. Plus, they do not seem to be as entertained by the quilt display as you are.
If you will be in Northwest Arkansas this weekend, be sure to check out one of these craft fairs. Otherwise, plan to come next spring and see what you can find.
Ole’ Applegate
Highway 72 West
Bentonville AR, 72712
Dates: 10/18/2006 – 10/22/2006
The Autumn Fair is at two locations:
Ole’ Applegate Farm – 1 mile west of Bentonville on Hwy. 72 (Admission $3)
Clarion Hotel & Convention Center – 211 Southeast Walton Blvd. (Free Admission)
Contact: 888-404-7478
Bella Vista Arts & Crafts Festival
Bella Vista AR, 72714
Dates: 10/19/2006 – 10/21/2006
Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Festival Location:
Off US Highway. 71 at Highway 279 and 340
Features:
350 exhibitors
Food
Music, Dance, and Kids’ Activities
Contact: 479-855-2064
Bella Vista Wishing Spring Art and Craft Gallery
East of Highway 71 on County Road 40
Bella Vista AR, 72714
Dates: March – December
10am-5pm Monday through Saturday
Features:
350 exhibitors
Contact: 479-273-1798
Frisco Station Mall Spring Arts & Crafts Festival
100 N Dixieland Road
Dixieland Mall
Rogers AR, 72756
Dates: 10/20/2006 – 10/22/2006
9am to 9pm Daily
9am to 5pm Sunday
Features:
Indoor Craft Fair
250 exhibitors
Free admission and parking
Contact: 479-872-9917
Jones Center Fall Arts & Crafts Fest.
922 East Emma
Jones Center for Families
Springdale AR, 72765
Intersection of Hwy 265 and Emma Ave., Springdale
Dates: 10/19/2006 – 10/21/2006
9am to 8pm Daily
9am to 6pm Sunday
Features:
100 exhibitors
Indoor craft fair
Handicap accessible
live music and televised football game
Free admission and parking
Contact: 479-751-9313
Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Fest
Ozark Regional Arts and Crafts Fest is at two locations:
Embassy Suites
3303 Pinnacle Hills Parkway
Rogers, Arkansas
I540 to exit 83 in Rogers
Dates: 10/20/2006 – 10/21/2006
9am to 9pm
Features:
Free admission and parking
600 exhibitors
Holiday Inn Convention Center and NWA Convention Center
HWY 412
Springdale, Arkansas
I540 to exit 72 in Springdale
Dates: 10/20/2006 – 10/21/2006
9am to 8pm
Features:
200-250 exhibitors
Indoor craft fair
Handicap accessible
Free parking and admission.
Contact: 479-756-6954
Sharp’s Show of War Eagle
11690 Sellers Place Rd.
Hindsville AR, 72738
Dates: 10/19/2006 – 10/22/2006
Features:
Food
Abundant parking
Located near War Eagle Mill
Contact: 479-789-5683
The War Eagle Fair
11036 High Sky Rd.
Off Highway 303
Hindsville AR, 72738
Dates: 10/19/2006 – 10/22/2006
Features:
300 exhibitors
Contact: 479-789-5398
War Eagle Mill Antique Crafts Show
11045 War Eagle Rd.
War Eagle, Arkansas
Dates: 10/19/2006 – 10/22/2006
8am – 5:30pm
Features:
Live music
Food vendors
Contact: 479-789-5343
Rogers Antique Show
Location:
Rogers Activity Center
315 W. Olive St.
Rogers, AR
Dates: 10/19/2006 – 10/21/2006
9am to 5pm Daily
9am to 4pm Saturday
Features:
Over 20 antique dealers
Large selection of collectibles
Contact: 479-273-2284