HUNTINGTON BEACH : Craft Fair Is Added to Farmers’ Market

As a way to attract more families and visitors downtown, an arts and crafts fair has been added to the Friday afternoon farmers’ market.

“We want to add to the attractions that will enhance the family environment,” said Tom Andrusky, assistant project manager for the city’s economic development department.

The Art-A-Faire will debut Friday and will continue from 2 to 7 p.m. through August at the corner of Main Street and Orange Avenue.

Because of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the fair also will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s a unique shopping experience, and we’re hoping to showcase a variety of handcrafted items,” said Pam Fellows, a coordinator of the Art-A-Faire.

Fellows said that about 20 crafters will be selling such items as glass jewelry, hand-painted antiques, quilted clothing, handmade candles, beads and country collectibles.

Vendors will be rotated in order to offer a variety of items each week, Fellows said. A booth will be offered free each week to a nonprofit organization.

Plans are to have about 40 craft vendors and close a portion of Main Street to accommodate the event, Fellows said.

The city has been working with downtown residents, business owners and the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau to feature the craft fair with the weekly farmers’ market, in which local growers sell fruits and vegetables.

For more information on the craft fair, call the city at (714) 536-5542. For more information about the free booth for nonprofit groups, call (714) 963-4319.