Harrisville Harmony Fest expected to bring in 10,000 shoppers

Jul 29, 2023

Aug 31, 2023

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Shoppers check out handmade soaps from Lincoln Street Soap’s booth at the 2022 Harrisville Harmony Festival. This year’s event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A parade will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

HARRISVILLE — Labor Day weekend is now more commonly known as Harmony Weekend in Harrisville, thanks to the annual Harmony Festival.

Harrisville Arts Council presents the 49th Annual Harmony Arts and Crafts Festival from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2, featuring over 200 vendors, live music, eight food vendors, and more.

“We’re typically expecting about 10,000 shoppers,” said Teri O’Callaghan, Harrisville Arts Council secretary. “It’s huge.”

She added that there are 42 more vendors this year than there were last year.

The event is held annually on the Saturday and Sunday prior to Labor Day on the corner of U.S.-23 and M-72 in Harrisville. The arts and crafts show continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, with a parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, organized by Kathy Asheton.

News Photo by Darby Hinkley Jim Pierson of Natural Designs Jewelry helps a customer with her purchase at the 2022 Harrisville Harmony Festival.

Vendors come from all over the state and country to participate in this juried arts and crafts festival, and many of them return each year.

“I have them coming from Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, everywhere,” O’Callaghan said.

She added that the show is profitable for vendors.

“We had several sell out last year,” she said. “And one — he makes wooden boomerangs — he had hundreds of them, and sold out. It’s amazing.”

Visitors make a weekend trip to Harrisville for the show, which provides a perfect conclusion to summer fun.

With a current weather forecast of partly sunny and high 70s, the weekend is shaping up to be ideal for vendors and shoppers alike.

O’Callaghan encourages people to come out and enjoy a relaxing weekend of shopping and mingling.

“When you’re shopping here, you just take your time,” she said. “And if you get tired, there’s places to rest and refresh.”

In addition to the many unique gifts and items available for purchase, visitors will be able to enjoy Music on the Hill starting at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as a children’s chalk art contest at the tennis courts starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, sponsored by Inspiration Alcona.

Awards will be given to the top photographer, artist, and crafter, as determined by a panel of judges, and six honorable mentions will also be given.

To participate in the Sunday parade, line up on 6th Street at noon.

For more information, call the Harrisville Arts Council at 989-724-7197.

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

ALPENA — Art in the Loft is offering visual art and culinary classes for all ages in September.To register or ...

ALPENA — Thunder Bay Arts will hold a Blue Moon Reception from 7 to 10 p.m. tonight on the rooftop deck of the ...