Del Mar CA— The 2019 Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show, brings an influx of autumn-inspiration to the Del Mar Fairgrounds Oct. 11-13. With more than 24,000 handmade creations, live entertainment, specialty foods, contests, a Kidzone, and more, it’s a treasured 22-year tradition for friends and families.
As the west coast’s largest and most prestigious indoor showcase, the celebration unites hundreds of artists and crafters from throughout the nation. An epic array of jewelry, ceramics, seasonal décor, kids clothing, photography, oils, sculptures, woodworks, Halloween accessories, blown glass, ornaments, and other original works, make shopping an adventure of discovery. Artists can also personalize many items for gifting. Festival foodies can sample oodles of mouth-watering homemade sauces, spices, nuts, oils, candies, and baked goods.
Festival goers can bring canned goods for donation to the North County Food Bank to get $2 off admission.
“As a woman-owned family business, we take pride in creating an immersive shopping experience unlike any other,” says Nancy Glenn, owner of the Harvest Festival. “Whether you’re a DIY devotee, art collector, or Festival-goer, our presentation brings together emerging artists whose passions spark excitement and new trends.”
Live entertainment adds to the festivities with country hits from the toe-tapping band Magnolia Drawl and high- flying entertainment with the Jack Kalvan Jugglers. Strolling performers include stilt-walking Friendly Frankie and the cowboy crew from Fables of the West.
To a handful of local artisans, the Harvest Festival is more than a celebration, it’s like coming home.
Gregg Visintainer of Carlsbad who will be showcasing his VizArt pen and ink originals sees the Harvest Festival as a kick off to the holidays. “It’s a terrific tradition right in my backyard. Everyone is in a great mood and the positive energy they bring is what this time of the year is all about,” he says. “It also gives me a platform to help inspire people, especially the youth. I’m a ‘doodler’ who is making a living doing what I love. It’s a lot of work, but I love it.”
Other hometown artisans include: San Diego’s David Leight of Leightworks hand cut and polished glass jewelry, Jill Dangelwicz Records And Stuff clocks made from recycled records and CDs, and Kanako Yamada Kodedama Forest plant arrangements; Oceanside residents Sherry Molling with Botanicals By The Sea nature inspired beauty products, Jim Rajner Jimmy Romo’s Coastal Creations surfboard wall art, Roberta Beason’s Love and Lace clothing, and Peter Dziulak’s Village Blocksmith wood castle block sets; oil painters Bonny Nuzzo of Solano Beach Art of Bonny Nuzzo and Monique Straub of La Mesa; and Brady Teig of Mesa with West Kept Secret metal works.
The Festival collaborates with local non-profits to pay it forward. Anyone who brings non-perishables for donation to the North County Food Bank receives $2 off admission. The Greyhound Adoption Center hosts the parcel check, and Macaroni Kid serves up “make ‘n’ take” enjoyment in the Kidzone. The San Diego Union Tribune and KPBS-FM are media sponsors. The annual Grand Prize Giveaway is a $200 Amazon gift card (register to win on site at the event).
General admission tickets are $9, Seniors (62+) and military are $7, Youths ages 13-17 are $4, and kids 12 and under are FREE. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Hours are Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm; and Sunday 10am to 5pm.