Morning rain gave way to afternoon sunshine, and the crowds came, making this year’s Art on the Avenue a huge success.
There were anxious moments for vendors as it began to rain on Saturday morning. “We were just looking for ways to keep everybody dry,” said Prudencia of Victoria’s Bridal Shop. “We all went to so much trouble that we were just hoping everything would go all right.”
And it did. The musical entertainment began right on time at 10 a.m., and by noon some vendors had people eight to 10 deep, waiting to look at or purchase their wares.
Most of the vendors were individuals. There were handbags made from old books. “I really wanted to buy one, but they were too small for me,” said Sarah Lowell. “They were really interesting, made from Nancy Drew books and lots of others that are familiar to everyone.”
Jewelry designers abounded. “I love silver so I just kept finding things that I liked and buying them,” said Martha Martinez.
Pottery was also readily available. “I’ve been looking for a teapot to match some blue mugs that I bought last year, and I found it,” said Sally Johnson. “And the funny thing was that it wasn’t from the same vendor.”
Mount Vernon Avenue was closed from Hume to Bellefonte. Musical entertainment was sponsored by Virginia Commerce Bank, at the corner of Windsor and Mount Vernon. At the acoustic stage, listeners were treated to Michelle Swan, Jana Audey, Jeff Severson and Jeffery T. Smith. On the twin stages, festival goers were entertained by The Impossible, 52 Pick-ups, Irish Breakfast Band, The Curb Feelers, Zydeco Crayz, Hokum Jazz, MJ and the Rustones and Little Pink.
There were also lots of activities for children. “I loved making lotus flowers,” said Miranda Smith.
Another favorite children’s activity is always scarecrow making. “I’m going to put my scarecrow on my porch for Halloween,” said Todd Jones, a 7-year-old. “I think it will scare people away.”
Whether it was painting pumpkins or painting faces, children were entertained. “This is one of the few places you can take children of all ages where they won’t get bored,” said Priscilla Martin, mother of six. “I look forward to Art on the Avenue every year.”