Saturday...

9:50...Opening Ceremonies with Chamber & City Officials, Dogwood Trail Maids

10......Faulkner State's Sunchief Sound

11......Susan's Academy of Dance

12......Christina Cecrle

1........Gypsy Chicks & Baklava Dancers

2........Neil Dover

3........Marjorie Searcy's Vocal Students

3:30...The Unknown Bluegrass

Sunday...

10......Mark R. Kent

11......Eastern Shore Dance Academy

12......Zuri Dance Troope

1........Argentine Tango By The Bay

2........Mario Mena

3........This Side of 49 Band

The festival takes place on Main Street in Olde Towne Daphne and Centennial Park.  There will be nearly 130 fine arts & crafts booths set up for the juried show.  The Kids Art in the Park will have booths set up for youngsters to explore their creative side.  Live entertainment on the stage and classic festival food in the food court will also be featured.  A large screen TV will be set up in City Hall for those wanting to catch the football games.  There is no admission to the festival.  The official artwork by Jean McKee will be printed on posters and t-shirts for sale.  Call 621-8222 or visit our website at www.eschamber.com for more information.

(Photo:  Kristin Marshall, Liz Roberts, Kathleen Fernandez, Barbara Charnetski, Kayla Palea, Jane Ellis, Sally Wagner, Linda Mong, Millie Long, Norma Davis, Diane Seifert, and Alton Long.)

     A native of Mobile, Tabitha moved to Baldwin County three years ago and resides in Spanish Fort.  She has a bachelor's degree from the University of West Florida in Communication Arts.  She is unmarried and her "only child" is her pet dog Sophie.  Tabitha has worked in the banking field for 15 years and has been employed with Pen Air Federal Credit Union for three years.  She is currently the Investment Executive for Pen Air Asset Management.

     When not working and volunteering for the Chamber, Tabitha enjoys running, bike riding, fitness training and spending time with her family.

    The ranking was published in the magazine's September issue featuring 200 of the Best Shows in the nation - 100 of the Best Classic & Contemporary Crafts Shows and 100 of the Fine Art & Design Shows.  This is the 21st year the magazine, which is the leading trade publication, surveyed and published its readers' top-selling events.

     The survey requests various pieces of information such as actual sales totals at top shows, the art medium, price range, attendance, etc.  Entering all the information into a database created the results comparing shows held nationwide.  In addition, the special comments and rankings were reviewed as well as state reports, audit cards and letters.

     According to the festival planners, the 23rd place ranking among the top 200 shows is a true accolade of a direct response to the attitude of the community and the warmth displayed by its residents. 

      "We are so honored that over 230 artists and craftsmen choose to participate in our show," said Jaca McLaren, chairman of the festival.  "This is such a wonderful festival for such a small town.  It's amazing that we can bring so many people to the area.  To be ranked so high in the nation really puts Fairhope on the map."

       She added that city lavishes tender loving care upon the show's entry way and streets in anticipation, and merchants welcome the exhibitors with open arms, by inviting them to utilize their facilities by dropping by for a cup of coffee or using the rest rooms.

       McLaren is one of over 50 volunteers who go beyond the call to make the exhibitors feel at home.  High school groups comb through the crowds throughout the three-day event to serve drinks and fruit and they also booth sit so exhibitors can take a well-needed break.

       The Arts and Crafts Festival in Fairhope will be 62 years old in 2014.  The festival takes place March 14, 15, and 16 in the streets of beautiful downtown Fairhope, Alabama.  The festival hours will be 10 am - 5 pm daily, and there is no admission charge.

      "Not only are we able to showcase the hospitality and beauty of Fairhope and the entire Eastern Shore, we are extremely proud that our festival has such an economic impact (an estimated $8 million) each year," said Darrelyn Bender, chamber president.

     Last year the event attracted nearly 300,000 visitors to the area.  This upcoming event will feature more than 230 exhibitors from throughout the U.S.  More than $14,500 in prize money will be awarded to winning artists.

     In addition, live local entertainment will take place on stage throughout the event, and classic festival foods will be served up to highlight the weekend.

     For more information call the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at (251) 621-8222 or visit the website at www.eschamber.com.