Billings’ Summerfair

Tools

By Laura Kennedy

Story Published: Jul 18, 2010 at 5:13 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 19, 2010 at 5:33 AM MST

BILLINGS - You couldn't pass by Veteran's Park in Billings Sunday without noticing rows and rows of booths set up for Summerfair.

In times when many people are cutting back, fairs like this one are thriving.


Summerfair is the Yellowstone Art Museum's biggest fundraiser of the year. For just a couple bucks, people could check out vendors from across the United States.


"This is the sixth time I've been to Summerfair and it keeps getting better every year with more people coming by," Double Y Design artist John Lockie said.


"The experience has been great this weekend, a lot of traffic Saturday morning until it got hot and then everyone kind of went home after that and hit the air conditioning. But it's the same way Sunday, lots of people coming in the morning and then probably taper off in the afternoon," Lockie said.


Saturday drew a crowd of 6,000 with a similar number expected Sunday. Last year 10,000 people attended throughout the whole weekend.


Some vendors have attended decades of Summerfairs.
"This one is close to home. It's got great atmosphere, they do something for the kids, something for the adults so it's just a really fun show for us to do," Heartbeat Designs owner Debbie VanDyken said.


But the great reputation draws new businesses as well.
"I had another artist tell me about Summerfair and how great it was and how I really need to come out here and check it out. The people out here are wonderful and they support the artists real well," Rustic Woodworks owner Roy Wayne Waddoups said.


Vendors said even with a tough economy the art business is doing well, helped by the unique craftsmanship featured at Summerfair.
"Sales are good, especially when I'm able to work at shows, creating right in front of someone really brings it to life for them," Waddoups said.


"This one's really nice, it brings in a lot of high caliber art that people can't find other places. People will come in from other parts of the US specifically to come for Summerfair," Lockie said.


Summerfair also featured live music the whole weekend and food from local merchants. Summerfair brings in thousands of dollars for the Yellowstone Art Museum each year.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KULR-8 News, Sports, Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Your Weather Authority

Current Temp 45.0 °F
Light Rain and Windy
Wind : West at
33.4 mph
Humidity : 66 %
Pressure : 29.30 in
More Weather

Party America Sky Cam

More Weather

On Demand

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.