Mayfest Brings Vendors, Visitors From Near and Far

Mayfest is one of the two biggest events that take place in Historic Smithville during the year, second only to Oktoberfest in the fall.

On Saturday, the annual event opened up for the day at 10 a.m., but according to Tony Coppola, Sr., the owner of The Village in Smithville, vendors were setting up and shoppers were perusing the goods as early as 8 a.m.

With more than 100 arts and crafts displays, as well as various food vendors, Historic Smithville was packed with tents on Saturday, but the regular year-round business owners do not suffer from the influx of competition, according to Coppola.

"It brings in a lot of people," he said. "A lot of people that wouldn't otherwise come, and they see vendors, but also the year round shops."

Coppola estimated that 25,000 people would visit over the weekend.

Scott and Rachel Edwards of Swedesboro, NJ have been bringing their daughter Andrea to Mayfest for five years.

"It's a fun day," said Rachel. "It's a nice thing to do with kids."

Scott agreed, adding that they usually come down to Smithville three times a year, and Oktoberfest and Mayfest are two regular events they attend.

"It's a nice trip down for the day," he said.

Vendors from surrounding areas get to show off their wares as well. Wendy Moore of Cochranville, Pennsylvania, has been setting up shop and selling decorative solar lights for five years at Mayfest. Her products have beach themes and she even uses stones from local beaches.

Not only is this a chance for Moore to get her products out, but, with more than a hundred crafters at the event, it is a way for like-minded people to meet.

"I get to see all my crafting buddies," she said.

Diana Jakos of Twin Wick Candles had similar praise for the event.

"I love everybody around here," she said.

Not only crafters, but also food vendors get a chance to share their products with new customers at Mayfest.

Jessica Durrell of Casey and Ben's Lobster Den set up a truck and was offering fresh lobster, scallops wrapped in bacon and more seafood options. Normally the business does door to door shipping of products, supplying many restaurants with fresh seafood, but this weekend is a chance to get out and serve seafood to passersby.

"We came to Oktoberfest and it was so much fun that we came back for this," said Durrell.

Mayfest continues on Sunday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.