Fall is harvest time in southern Illinois and the crop is crafts. If your idea of fun is attending fall craft fairs and shows, there is one near you in southern Illinois. Fall craft fairs are great places to purchase gifts for the upcoming holiday seasons or to energize your own creative juice by examining what other artist have for sale at the fall craft fairs. Maybe you want to pick up some new decorations with a homemade feel for Halloween, Thanksgiving or even Christmas. Fall craft fairs in southern Illinois are the place for you.
Fall Craft Fairs in Southern Illinois – Centralia Balloon Festival
Held annually, The Centralia Balloon Festival attracts more than 40 hot air balloons which paint a colorful scene in the sky unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Huge soaring balloons in designs and colors inspire the imagination and influence some of the arts and crafts available at the festival. The festival which includes a large craft fair, opens Aug. 21, 2009 and runs through Aug. 23, 2009. There are children’s activities and daily balloon races to entertain young and old alike while browsing the craft booths. For directions and a map of the grounds, click here.
Fall Craft Fairs in Southern Illinois – Midwest Salute to the Arts Festival
The 19th annual Midwest Salute to the Arts Festival is a nationally recognized art fair displaying the works of more than 100 artists whose creations range from painting, sculpture and photography to jewelry and glass. A children’s area provides the unique experience of hand-on art activities and other children’s entertainment. Live entertainment and an International Food Gallery are also provided. The fair runs Aug 26th and 27th, 2009 and is held at Longacre Park in Fairview Heights, Illinois.
Fall Craft Fairs in Southern Illinois – Cedarhurst Craft Fair
A full blown festival with entertainment and food booths including brats and homemade ice cream, the Cedarhurst Craft Fair has become an annual event for many in southern Illinois. More than 130 craftsmen will display their wares Sept. 11. 12. And 13, 2009. The 11th is a preview and the fair opens in full force on the 12th. Goods displayed in clued basketry, wood, fiber, glass, ceramics, leather and much more. A children’s area invites kids to make-and-take craft items of their own. The Shrode Art Center will exhibit the works of local area artists. The Grand tent will provide entertainment and the Cedarhurst Beer Garden will provide refreshments.
Fall Craft Fairs in Southern Illinois – O’Fallon Strange Folk Indie Craft Fair
Last year’s event hosted more than 120 vendors and attracted more than 10,000 people. Vendors cover genres as diverse as retro, punk, pretty, urban and everything else imaginable. Prices also vary widely making something handmade attainable for everyone. And diversity doesn’t stop with the craft wares. Even the food covers a wide selection including vegetarian fare. Just 15minutes away from St. Louis, the O’Fallon Strange Folk Indie Craft Fair is appealing to craft lovers of all kinds. This one-of-a-kind fair runs Sept 26 and 27th, 2009.
Fall Craft Fairs in Southern Illinois – Indian Market Days
Indian Market Days at Cahokia Mounds, in Collinsville, IL is a unique fall craft fair experience. Products available are all native-made items and include jewelry, beadwork, textiles, crafts, baskets and more. Visit the fair during November on the 27th and 28th, just after Thanksgiving.
