SYRACUSE -- A popular festival is celebrating 40 years this year, and it's attracting lots of people to Downtown Syracuse. The annual Arts and Crafts Festival is one of the many events that make up Arts Week in the city. It’s estimated upwards of 50,000 flock to downtown Syracuse this weekend for the many festivals.
Vendors say business is so good, it's worth setting up shop year after year. Booths filled with everything from jewelry, to handmade pottery, to clothing lined Columbus Circle. Bill Holden has been selling his handmade silver earrings and pendants in this show for the past 5 years.
Holden says a good turnout can lead to $1,000 to $2,500 in sales. "Good crowd, sales are consistently good. It's a nice festival, easy to do, it's fun,” said Holden.
Just a few blocks away, people could hear the sounds of smooth jazz coming from Clinton Square. Performers took the stage throughout the day and night. There was no charge for the event, $10 dollars got you a drink ticket to taste New York fine wines, and some of the proceeds went to benefit the Red Cross.
Organizers of the Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival say an investment in the arts, is also a smart investment in the downtown economy. “That's the strategy behind the free cultural events, people come down and spread the money around and the economic multiplier, helps keep us alive in these economic times,” said Larry Luttinger.
Many of the festivals and events continue Sunday, to check out what’s going on downtown click here.
More information on the Arts and Crafts Festival can be found here.
