Scores of Augustans descended upon Broad Street Friday, Nov. 5 for the Augusta Handmade Fair. The event did not happen last year due to the pandemic, and the patrons and artisans alike were happy to have it back.
“I’m excited,” said Dawn Cardona, a paper artist who spent Friday evening cutting out paper designs and selling her wares to the crowds. “It’s a chance for local artists to share their work in person after the pandemic when we’ve all been essentially by ourselves.”
Cardona traveled from North Augusta just hours before the event started after another vendor dropped out and a booth became available.
After walking around for a while, I could see why she made the trip. There were dozens and dozens of Augustans perusing the fair, which was held at the Doris Building and spilled over into the JB Whites Building and the sidewalk outside.
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The difficulty ordering from online retailers due to increased costs and delayed delivery times have many Augustans shopping locally, and the artists and creatives at the fair could not have been more thankful.
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One artist, Michalea Fuchs (@TheHungryFox on Instagram), told me she was very happy to be back and thrilled to see the healthy turn-out.
In fact, it was the busiest I’ve seen Downtown Augusta in years. First Friday, cooler weather, and small business events like this were a great trifecta to get people out of their homes and out supporting local business.
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Familiar Augusta-based artists like Miss Kay and Jacob Boland were present, but other vendors traveled from Savannah, Charleston and even Charlotte to set up shop and share their work.
The offerings concentrated on art pieces and gift items, with several booths displaying pottery, hand-made earrings and Christmas decorations. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen more gnome-related items in my life.
The good news for folks who may have missed this event is that later this month, Small Business Saturday will be a great day to visit and support Downtown Augusta’s local businesses on Nov. 27.
Tyler Strong is the Business Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at tyler@theaugustapress.com
