Four-year-old Isabella Marker and her little sister Meaghan stood on Front Street Saturday surrounded by activity. To their left a Great Dane towered over them, to their right shoppers wandered in and out of tents and directly in front of them their mother stood snapping photos. But the girls were oblivious to the commotion around them. Their minds were zeroed in on one thing — the Kapaws ice cream cones slowly dripping vanilla sweetness down their arms.
Every one of the thousands of visitors to the Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival this weekend seemed to be on a mission. Many vowed to check out every booth while others simply wanted to take advantage of the event’s first-ever beer and wine garden. But whatever their goal, all seemed satisfied with the festival’s 48th showing.
Artist and event volunteer Anna Kolousek said she knew the event would be a success within its first couple of hours.
“I think it’s fabulous,” Kolousek said. “It’s just a joy to see so many people here looking at art. Even though it’s not the best economic times, I think people need art. It gives them a boost.”
Kolousek helped man the Coupeville Recreation Hall where the winning pieces of art from Friday’s juried show were on display.
Meanwhile, other artists were busy showing of their skills inside the Artist in Action tents spread out in the grass next to Alexander Street.
Mary Alice Sterling was in the center of the ring, making hand-shaped baskets and happily chatting to passersby.
“I’d get more work done if I’d quit talking,” she said.
In the corner of the set- up, Cheri Bricker and Carl Ulmschneider of Coupeville sat shaping wire cage art.
“It’s fun to explain to people what we do,” Bricker said.
“We get lots of adoration,” Ulmschneider added, laughing. “It’s an ego stroke. Our heads keep swelling.”
Kolousek said it’d be difficult to estimate how many people were in attendance, but with the traffic on Main Street and the lack of parking, it’s safe to say the event drew an extensive crowd both Saturday and Sunday.
Macy Jackson wandered the streets with her mom carrying her basset hound puppy Pippi over her shoulder.
The girls said they come every year and 2011 met their expectations.
“We’re here to shop,” Jackson said.
