Craft Fest's Day One Crowds Nearly Beat Past 2-Day Totals

By noon on Saturday—day one of the two-day event—organizers said the sixth-annual  had already marked the largest in borough history. 

"I think this is our best (festival) ever," said Collingswood Crafts and Fine Arts Festival Coordinator Sheila Goodman. "We usually have about 30,000 people attend over the two-day event. But today (Saturday), just day one, we've probably seen over 20,000 people—and it's only noon."

Thousands strolled along Haddon Avenue Saturday, where 140 individual artisans and crafter's booths lined the streets. 

Of this year's success, Goodman cites a few different sources. 

"We moved the festival up, from the second week in August, and I had my worries about that, but the opposite effect happened," said Goodman. "And for the first time, we used social networking (to advertise the event this year, via sites like Facebook—and Collingswood Patch! 

"We usually see more families with their kids and dogs come out on Sunday, but they're all here today (Saturday)," she said. I also think the (recent) rain had people pent-up, and they needed a place to get out of the house."

Sponsors and festival supporters abounded Saturday, with Subaru offering giveaways, hosting a booth, and debuting three new Subaru models along Haddon Avenue. 

Radio station 95.7 BEN-FM hosted a family-friendly booth, offering activities and finger-painting. Susan G. Komen for the Cure led a silent auction, open to festival-goers. 

As for the countless works of art on display—including paintings, pottery, jewelry, carpentry items, and more—Goodman said the 140 festival vendors are the best of the best.

"I go to about 30 craft shows a year; almost one every weekend," said Goodman. "And I solicit the crafters whose work I like best (for the Collingswood Crafts and Fine Arts Festival)."

Colin Moran, manager of Grooveground coffee house, said he enjoys working during the annual event. 

"It's my third year working at Grooveground during this festival," Moran said Saturday morning. "It's a lot more mellow and relaxing than May Fair. You get a really good diversity of artwork and jewelry and crafts; so it's really nice."

Collingswood resident Sue Bitar brought her two daughters to the event Saturday. 

"It's family fun," said Bitar of the festival. "I can find unique, handmade children's clothes here, and really different items—things you can't find at a department store. And it's supporting local businesses, and you can't beat that."

Bitar's daughters, 4-year-old Xavia and 2-year-old Dylan, couldn't agree more. 

"I like all of the colors of the artwork here today," said Xavia, spinning around in happy little circles. 

When asked if she'd return to the festival next year, Dylan responded with a hearty, "Yes I would!"

Pottery booth vendor Ellen Mulvenna, who lives in Harleysville, PA, has a special place in her heart for the festival. 

"These are my old stomping grounds; I grew up right in Westmont," said Mulvenna. "This is my second year having a booth at the festival. I've been working with clay for 30 years, and I always enjoy this show. You always get a great crowd here."

And with Saturday alone almost beating the festival's two-day turnout total, Sunday's crowd will surely break the record. 

Sunday, Aug. 21—the final day of —will run along Haddon Avenue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to all.