We went on Sunday the 4th.
This event attracts more than 6,000 people annually to downtown Sylvania. Those are big numbers for a city of only 19,000+ people (according to the 2020 census).
Musicians take the stage to perform and artists from all over the region line Main Street with everything from glass art, to ceramics, jewelry, and paintings.
When we walked up, live music was being performed by a band called Last Born Sons. They were playing a range of classic rock, country, and blues. They were very good and had a large crowd sitting around listening to them. I’m pretty sure I heard them doing a cover of a Sublime song when we were walking around, so that was pretty cool.
Beyond the stage were crisp, white tents lining all the way down the street. They looked like the peaks of clouds. I eagerly approached to see what treasures awaited inside all of them. I fell in love with some beautiful photography, and paintings. There was also a wide array of jewelry, fibers, ceramics, glass, wood, and more.
What’s nice about the location that this event takes place, is that there are a couple of local breweries right along the street. So, if you wanted to take a break from perusing the artwork you could enjoy a glass of wine or beer from Inside the Five, and Upside Brewing. Both I hope to visit very soon, so I can tell you all about it.
There were food trucks there as well, so you could grab some grub, a drink, and listen to the music.
David and I had a good time. Hershey got to show off what he does, and the crowd loved him.
with our dog Hershey at the festival.
Even though I didn’t walk away with anything, I respect all the artists so much. The way they can visualize and then make such beautiful things out of their passion and love is just amazing. They do work that they believe in, and it’s a personal reflection of themselves.
There’s a certain level of vulnerability associated with that, and that deserves recognition and respect.
So thank you to all the artists that came out and shared their work with us.
We will definitely be back next year.
I took too many photos (as I often do). Most I posted to my Instagram, but to give you more of the flavor at this year’s festival, I tossed a few in the photo gallery below. Click to enlarge!
