President and Committee Chair, Laurann Farris
By, Macy Goodnight; Since 1980, the Broken Arrow Main Street Merchants Association has been deeply rooted in the growth and prosperity of a rapidly evolving downtown district, while working diligently to ensure the beat goes on. The Annual Heart of Broken Arrow Arts and Craft Festival is a great part of that effort, providing support for their mission and growing stronger every year.
The annual festival will be hosted at the Broken Arrow Central Park Community Center Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry to the event is free, and everyone is welcome. Approximately 100 vendors will be found with unique and incredible arts and crafts to shop at this one-of-a-kind market. Association President and Committee Chair, Laurann Farris, takes pride in the incredible, handmade wares that are available each year. “We have so many unique and intriguing items,” she said. “Christmas is coming, and our show is close!”
In its 26th year, The Heart of Broken Arrow festival will have some returning vendors from previous years, and many new ones with room to grow. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor is invited to call and reserve one of the especially large booth spaces, that are usually around 12ftx12ft. “Most people appreciate the bigger booth space,” said Laurann. “They can accommodate the tables so much better.” Some of the vendors already included this year will display beautiful stained glass, incredible metal art, exquisite quilts, jewelry, lawn décor, succulents, bird feeders and houses, cutting boards and so much more! New to this year’s event will be on-demand screen printing. Handcrafted wood burning fire pits can also be found, as well as new and innovative creations from local artists. “We always make sure we have a wide selection of handmade items available,” says Laurann. “It’s a great opportunity to support local artists and businesses, as well as to see some of the finest handmade arts and craft items offered in Green Country.” Concessions will be available, and as always, treats will be available for purchase from the Amish Bakery.
Proceeds from the annual festival benefit the Broken Arrow Main Street Association, which was founded to promote community spirit and vitalize downtown Broken Arrow. They additionally extend funds to local nonprofits and organizations in need, such as Blue Star Mothers. Funds also ensure the continuation of other events throughout the year, as well as providing lights for members’ storefronts and banners for the Main Street light posts. The Main Street Association has always been charged with supporting business and community in the downtown district. “There are new people coming to Broken Arrow all the time,” said Laurann. “We want to make sure that BA stays on the map.”
The festival is handicapped accessible, and lots of parking is available.
If you would like more information on becoming a vendor at The Heart of Broken Arrow Arts and Crafts Festival or would like more on attending the event, email: eat0@eau0eav0eaw0, or call (918) 251-1591.
See more about Supporting the Pulse of the Community:
https://www.valuenews.com/supporting-the-pulse-of-the-community-news-article_4916
