Dodecanese Boulevard, the center of Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, is lined with tents and attendees for the event.
Courtesy of Sophia George | The Crow’s Nest
By Sophia George
The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, a lively and bustling waterfront boulevard, started the new year off with a weekend-long arts and crafts festival.
Hosted by the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association and Howard Alan Events, the Sponge Docks Art and Craft Festival ran from Saturday, Jan. 1 to Sunday, Jan. 2.
Historic Tarpon Springs is known by locals and tourists alike for its authentic Greek restaurants, bakeries, markets and an array of sea sponge shops. Even more people gathered on Dodecanese Boulevard during the event as it was lined with dozens of tents where artists and small business owners from all around the country displayed their creative and unique pieces.
Families strolled along the street with smiles on their faces, taking in the sunshine and an endless selection of art, jewelry and other homemade goods.
Some vendors shared with The Crow’s Nest about their businesses, messages to the community and their thoughts on being a part of an event like this.
Cynthia Reyes, owner of Unto Thee Candles, explained the inspiration behind her business and where it all started.
“I hand pour soy scented candles. I started December of last year, and we’re originally from Fairfax, Virginia, right outside of D.C.,” Reyes said.
This was the first Florida show she had ever participated in.
“The best thing is all the people I get to meet. I love meeting new people, talking to them, and getting to share about the products,” Reyes said.
Reyes’ goal with her business is to spread the message of, “You do your best, you give your best and then people get the best.”
Sawai McLaughlin, owner of Cut Out Designs explained, “My art is wearable art. I draw, sew and cut it out, each one in detail.”
McLaughlin and her husband first started the business 10 years ago, but she has taken over and carried it out in her name for the past three years.
Her hard work and dedication have enabled her to participate in art festivals all around the country, and she finds satisfaction in seeing her customers smiling and laughing.
Arts and crafts festivals like this are an amazing way for artists to share their passions, stories and creativity with the world. It also gives locals the opportunity to go out and support these artists in any way they can.
Over the next few months, Howard Alan Events will be hosting more arts and crafts festivals around Florida. From Saturday, Jan. 29 to Sunday, Jan. 30, they will be collaborating with St. Armands Circle in Sarasota for their 19th Annual Art Festival. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.
Downtown Dunedin will host another weekend-long arts and crafts festival from Feb. 19 to Feb. 20. The 29th Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.
To find out about upcoming events in Tarpon Springs, check out https://spongedocks.net/tarpon-springs-events/
To learn about other art and craft festivals around Florida, visit http://www.artfestival.com/calendar/festival
