Creative Family Fun at Garden City’s Festival Fete

By Erin Kayata and Lindsey Martin

This past weekend, June 8th and 9th, Festival Fete held its third annual art festival at Garden City Center. Featuring craft artist booths, food stations and local entertainment, the event provided a day full of local, “art, food, and merriment”. There were over 140 artist booths displaying everything from upcycled clothing and handmade jewelry, to mussel shell art.

“It’s not your grandmother’s art festival,” said Danielle Salisbury, the art liason for the event. “It’s for the community and the family.” Salisbury mentioned the show features juried art, meaning artists have to apply by showing their work, as well as an idea for their booth.

Additional entertainment included balloon artists, a rock wall, a photo booth, and Rhode Island’s famous Big Nazo Puppets. The event also featured the Creation Station, where kids were able to make some of their own artwork such as recycled hatmaking, macaroni bracelets, and pennant making.

Families could take a break and grab refreshments provided by Granny Squibb Iced Teas, Providence Potato Company, Holy Cow, and Just Dogs hot dogs, among others. Kettle corn from the Kettle Corn Express seemed to be a crowd favorite.

This traveling festival makes stops around RI year round. Catch the next festival  in East Greenwich on August 31st and September 1st. For more information go to www.festivalfete.com