The Madawaska Valley Artisan Festival celebrated its 35th birthday on July 13 at Railway Station Park in Barry’s Bay. Railway Station visitor centre staff handed out birthday cupcakes to artisans and visitors. Musicians performed for several hours over the lunch period. The hot and sunny weather meant that a playful breeze was the only hazard encountered by the fourteen artisans displaying their wares.
Many vendors had exhibited at this festival in previous years – some for decades – while others were relative newcomers. The photos below indicate the variety and quality of goods on offer.
Top row: Bernard Long of Atelier Pierre de Lune, Hattitude; Middle: Julie Poliquin’s Hollow Clay Works, Intarsia; Bottom: Madawaska Metal Works piece by Mike Desrochers; Blair McMillan of Golden Lake Rustics
As in previous Artisan Festivals, visitors could snack on DB Kettle Corn as they strolled through Railway Station Park and those hungry enough for a meal could enjoy the annual Fish Fry across the street at the Opeongo Seniors Centre. Diners could sit indoors in air-conditioned comfort or enjoy the sunshine in Water Tower Park. Volunteers pointed out that the Fish Fry is only one of the meals available this summer from the Seniors. On August 2 their Loggers Lunch returns for a second year.