Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival  ... Since 1987

The Baysville Riverfront Group will host the 27^th Arts & Crafts festival in Baysville, Ontario on August 10- 11, 2013.   It is a two day outdoor event featuring unique and original artisans from all over Ontario.

In 1987 Richard (Dick) Robinson organized the first event.  Eight vendors participated in the show.  It was held behind the present Liquor Store which was Maggie’s Restaurant at the time.  It remained at this locale for one year and then moved to the arena due to inclement weather.  The following year the decision was made to relocate the show to Centennial Park, rain or shine, with the number of vendors increasing to 34.  In 2001 the Riverfront Group began organizing the festival as a major fund raising event with the proceeds being used to support the community.  Cathy Racine coordinated the event from 2001 – 2011.  

In 2011 bridge construction created challenges for the festival, resulting in the necessity to transfer the venue to the Community/Library Park.  The decision to remain at this setting was decided after the completion of the bridge.  It rendered Centennial Park non accessible for the vendors.

We have 84 artisans participating in our 2013 festival.  Our vendors are exceptional and creative. All are required to generate handcrafted items “Made in Canada”.

Specialities of art include fabric (sewing, embroidery, quilting, rugs, home decor) , wool, glass, wood, string, paper (gift cards, books) , metal, stone, leather, pottery, painting and drawings (canvas, wood, metal, ceramic,  in multiple medias), wax, bath & beauty, photography, gourmet delights, jewellery (silver, pearls, beads, gem stones, wrapped etc) recycled art, floral,  and misc creations.  There is something for everyone including women’s and unisex clothing designs, fashion accessories and Muskoka and Christmas themes.    Our gallery of artists will be posted on the website in May.  Visit us at “www.baysvilleriverfront.ca” for details.

Admission to the festival is by donation with the proceeds going to the Baysville Horticultural Society.  There is plenty of parking and a playground for the little ones (unsupervised).   In addition food is available for purchase.

A special thank you is extended to the vendors, friends, and the Riverfront committee for their support in helping me to organize this year’s event.  Also thanks to Michael Woodside (Braemore Pond Studio) and Richard Robinson (Original Oils) for designing our signage. 

Please come and support our community.  The Baysville Riverfront Group supports the building of and the maintaining of the infrastructure along the Riverfront, including walkways, docks, lighting and seating.  In addition, donations are directed to support various community organizations and projects. 

If you have questions or comments you may contact me, Nancy Van Geytenbeek, Festival/Vendor Co-ordinator, at 705 – 767 – 2372 or email me at baysvilleartsandcrafts@gmail.com.

Mark the dates ... August 10 – 11^th  ( 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)