June 16, 2014 at 10:42 a.m.
Art fair, car show draw crowd to downtown Rhinelander
Art fair, car show draw crowd to downtown Rhinelander
By Kayla Thomason-
"The turnout has been fantastic considering the weather conditions here earlier in the day for both the art fair and the car show," said Dana DeMet, executive director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce.
Those who attended the art fair found a wide range of artwork including needlepoint, rugs, clothing and other textiles as well as paintings, metal work and more.
"I've heard about this show, like it's in the art directory. So I was looking forward to it so when I got the application I was like 'yeah let me try it out' and even though it's rainy there's still good people, good vendors and good food ..." said Padee Xiong, a first-time vendor at Art on the Courthouse Lawn.
Xiong sold needlepoint animals stuffed with cotton or fine millet seed.
Guests were also enjoying their first time at the fair.
"[Art on the Courthouse Lawn is] nice, lots of fun crafts and I enjoy crafting so it's perfect," said Erin Kurilla, a first-time visitor.
She enjoyed moseying around with her grandmother, looking at jewelry, getting ideas for her projects and a wedding she is planning.
"I just think it's a wonderful thing for Rhinelander, it brings lots of people out," Joan Kurilla, Erin's grandmother, added.
Kurilla has been coming to the show for years and enjoys looking for scrubbies for the kitchen, jewelry and candy.
There were vendors with soy candles, various cranberry goods, toffee, and other fragrant and delectable finds.
"It's a great event, they do a great job with this event and I'm glad that I can come every year," said Kim Schaffer, owner of Toffee For You. "It's a beautiful event with the grounds and I love the band playing."
Toffee For You has had a booth at the show for six years and is based out of Eagle River. They sell homemade butter toffee made with grassland butter, ambrosia chocolate, walnuts, pecans and macadamia nuts. They also sell products without nuts.
"I just hope [Art on the Courthouse Lawn] continues and that all the people that come here are successful and come back," Joan Kurilla said.
Art wasn't the only thing visitors could enjoy on Saturday. Many people walked up and down the streets to see the classic cars on display.
"It's just fun to walk around and look at the older cars," said Kelly Bushong, a four-time car show attendee.
The car show has some loyal visitors who do their best to come every year.
"When the rain started people kind of left a little bit and now I see them coming back it looks good," said Alan Schwoegler. "It's a nice event and sometimes I miss it because in June we have things going on (but) not this year."
Along with the art and cars, visitors enjoyed the sounds of the Rhinelander Community Band. No one went hungry as Chicago-style hot dogs, popcorn, nuts, gyros and more were served throughout the day.
"People looking to get involved in this next year definitely keep us in mind in terms of exhibiting here, we are one of the longest running arts and craft shows in the Northwoods, you get a great venue right here on the lawns of the Oneida County Courthouse so you've got a great backdrop that really accentuates the great arts and craftsmanship that is here," DeMet said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.