The countdown to TroyFest 2014 has officially begun.
And, when the clock strikes 9 o’clock Saturday the artists’ tent flaps will open; the music will begin; the chow lines will form and the people will come in droves to the 12th Annual TroyFest on the square in downtown Troy.
“We’re ready and we’re excited,” said Rob Drinkard, TroyFest committee chair. “The TroyFest committee has worked really hard and we’ve got a great arts and crafts festival planned. The weather is going to cooperate and it’s going to be a great TroyFest weekend.”
Hours for TroyFest 2014 will be from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday.
But there is another time that the TroyFest committee wants everyone to know. Before any vendor can set up, vehicles have to clear out. The deadline for that is today at 5 p.m. Any vehicles left after the deadline will be towed.
TroyFest church will be at 9 a.m. Sunday and everyone is welcome.
“It’s casual and the artists lead it,” said Sheila Jackson, director of tourism for the City of Troy. “Underneath the shade of the trees in the center of the Square is just so peaceful. It’s a great place to worship before the festival.”
Stephanie Baker, artists’ chair, said TroyFest will feature 75 artists including longtime favorites and new favorites as well.
“We have a fantastic lineup of artists and craftsmen with a variety of styles and price ranges,” Baker said. “The mediums include painting, pottery, glass and woodcrafts. And, we have several demonstrating artists. Matt Brabham from Jay, Florida will be throwing pottery on the wheel and talking to people at the same time. It’s always interesting to see people create art.”
She recommended saving the student exhibit at the Johnson Center as a respite from what will likely be some warm days. The center is air conditioned and may even have cold bottles of water available.
Baker said the folk artists are always good entertainment because they usually have stories to tell about their art.
“Folk artists like to talk about their artwork,” she said. “So, we encourage people to ask questions. It’s part of their show.”
She also recommended bringing bags for all of the new treasures you will pick up along the way. Many of the venders only have small t-shirt bags.
Baker said TroyFest celebrates both the visual and performing arts.
“TroyFest is about bringing people and art together in downtown Troy,” she said. “And the City of Troy had done a fabulous job of getting the downtown area ready.
“At TroyFest we showcase artists and craftsmen and we also want to show off our downtown area. Downtown Troy and TroyFest are a great combination.”
Baker suggested bringing lawn chairs to park in front of the stage. There isn’t much the festival doesn’t allow. Pets are welcome as long as they are leash-friendly. Strollers are fine and there will be a limited amount of handicapped parking along Three Notch Road at the Square. SAHRA will provide emergency care in a tent at the center of the Square. Jackson recommended carrying water.
Drinkard said TroyFest is arts and crafts and more.
In addition to the artists’ booths, there will be food vendors will all of the traditional festival foods and more, a farmers’ market and community booths.
“TroyFest features entertainment all day, both days, at the Troy Cable stage and the Stephens Gazebo,” he said.
“Fire Mountain will be a featured group along with the Troy University and community jazz bands, local dance studios and gymnastic groups and church choirs. The entertainment will be outstanding both days.”
The Farmers Market will have birdhouses, a large selection of indoor and outdoor plants, homemade sauces, jellies and jams and many more homemade and homegrown items. Jackson recommended hitting the market first thing Saturday morning. The plants tend too sell quickly.
Another item that is quickly selling is the TroyFest t-shirt. Festival merchandise will be available at a booth next to Byrd Drugs.
Drinkard said kids can enjoy many different activities at the Kids Corner, including making marble paper and tie-dyed shirts, games and contests and riding the miniature train.
“We invite everyone to TroyFest on Saturday and Sunday,” Drinkard said. “It will be a great weekend to be outdoors and we’ve get a great festival planned. There will be something for everyone on the square in downtown Troy this weekend.”