SPECIAL EVENT

Etsy Fest stresses local arts, food, entertainment for all

Performers (shown) and painters alike will demonstrate the depth of Arkansas talent at Etsy’s Indie Arts and Music Fest in Hillcrest.
Performers (shown) and painters alike will demonstrate the depth of Arkansas talent at Etsy’s Indie Arts and Music Fest in Hillcrest.

The wide world of internet shopping has made it even easier for customers to find unique and specialty products. But, really, one doesn't have to look to cyberspace to find something one-of-a-kind.

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Performers and painters (shown) alike will demonstrate the depth of Arkansas talent at Etsy’s Indie Arts and Music Fest in Hillcrest.

sy Little Rock member Lindsey Powers says, "We want people to know if they need something made, there are artists here [who] have those products for them to buy. They don't have to order off of Amazon or go to a department store."

Etsy’s Indie Arts

and Music Fest

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Kavanaugh Boulevard between Spruce and Walnut streets, Little Rock

Free admission

Email etsylittlerock@gmai… or visit facebook.com/events…

Powers is one of the organizers of Etsy's Indie Arts and Music Fest, also commonly known as Etsy Fest, taking place Saturday in Little Rock's Hillcrest neighborhood. Its purpose, she says, is "to connect the community with local artists."

Dozens of Etsy Little Rock-affiliated vendors will set up stalls selling jewelry, paintings, clothing and any number of handmade creations and "upcycled" vintage pieces.

But the festival doesn't solely focus on visual art. There will also be two small stages set up for performances by local musicians.

For the first time, Etsy Fest will also set up a tent for local poets and comedians.

The performers with Arkansas Circus Arts will have their aerial lift rig on-site and will stroll through the festival showing off their circus skills.

"That's art in itself," Powers says.

This year, Heifer International will be on hand and the Arkansas Innovation Hub will bring an assortment of toys and games for kids of all ages.

That's not the only entertainment for children.

The Kids Zone will be "just an area for kids to be kids and play" with sidewalk chalk, jump ropes and other old-school toys. Powers says, "We'll have a cardboard castle that one of our committee members is making that the kids will be able to decorate with markers."

Several blocks of Kavanaugh Boulevard will be closed for the street festival and parking will be on surrounding side streets. With several food trucks and local breweries setting up shop, even the victual-based arts will be covered, offering a chance to see, smell, taste and hear diverse talents.

"I think it's awesome just to come out and see what all Arkansas has to offer," Powers says. "Everyone who has come out really enjoys it. They're usually surprised by what they see, what's made locally.

"It's such a fun time."

Weekend on 05/25/2017

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