13th Annual Effingham Artisan Fair Tonight and Saturday

Each year, downtown Effingham is transformed into an artist’s mecca as artists from all over the region set up shop on the lawn of the Historic Court House Museum and surrounding downtown area in Effingham for the 13th annual Effingham Artisan Fair.

The Artisan Fair will take place tonight and Saturday. Tonight, join the Effingham community for the “Arts & Hearts” celebration. This event features an “Artist Soft Opening,” where a majority of the artists will display their art for the community one day early.

From 5 to 8 p.m. a variety of events will be held to raise awareness for the arts in the community, including a live art auction benefiting Community Support Systems (C.S.S.), not-for-profit community informational booths and dance performances by Exclusively Dance.

The event will also celebrate 20 years of the Sculpture on the Avenues exhibition with the Effingham Tourism Office as the 20th Anniversary piece will be unveiled on the Courthouse lawn.

The dance performances will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Fourth Street.

The unveiling of the 20th Anniversary piece will begin at 6:00 p.m. on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Third Street with former Mayor Bob Utz & current Mayor Jeff Bloemker participating.

The C.S.S. Art Auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. along Washington Avenue.

There will be live music tonight and on Saturday in the wine and beer tent area. Abbey Dietzen, LP & the Honeybee and the Jeremy Adam Duo will be performing this evening and Andy Rueter, Jeffrey Corman & Erin Goldstein and Tim Crosby will be performing Saturday.

In addition, organizers have brought back whiskey sampling to the popular wine and beer sampling event. This year you can again walk the Courthouse Square while enjoying your samples of wine or beer.

Tonight will also include a food fair featuring Martin’s IGA, Dad’s Smokin’ Butt BBQ, Joe’s Pizza & Pasta, K’s Ultimate Vending and the Sausage Haus. They will also be offering some specialty food, including Oma Gisi’s German Bakery, Homewood Grill, The Cookie Jar, Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats and Plum Pies both tonight and Saturday.

Activities downtown Saturday will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Artisan Fair where downtown is transformed into an art gallery with works from over 35 artists on display for purchase.

The Sculpture on the Avenues outdoor exhibition will officially open, too. Stop by the Information Booth for a Culture Guide and walk downtown and learn more about the sculptures in Effingham.

Artwork for sale includes oil paintings, pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. Several artists will demonstrate their craft at the event.

There will be regional wineries and several different craft beers available for sampling. This event will open from 5 – 10 p.m. tonight and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday.

Other activities during the Artisan Fair on Saturday include the Kids Korner, food fair, and live musical entertainment near the wine tent.

The Effingham County Court House Museum will also be open both this evening and Saturday.

Check out the Effingham Artisan Fair’s website for more details on times at www.effinghamartisanfair.com.

For more information about the Artisan Fair, phone 800-772-0750 or 217-342-5310. Also, visit www.effinghamartisanfair.com or the Facebook page “Effingham Artisan Fair.”