Margot’s Ice Cream Parlor is among many San Juan Bautista businesses that stay busy over the Fine Arts and Quality Crafts Festival weekend, with thousands of patrons visiting town.
“We’re always extremely busy during the festivals since everybody loves ice cream,” said shop owner Margot Tankersley.
For Margot’s, though, the positive impact lasts throughout the year when festival visitors return to enjoy their favorite treats.
“A lot of people come to town, might just wander around a bit,” Tankersley said. “Then we’ll see them on another day. They’ll pop in and say, ‘Yeah, we were here at the craft fair.’”
The annual festival is set for Saturday and Sunday in the Mission City, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. It will once again feature more than 100 artists and craftsmen along with food vendors, children’s entertainment and music – making San Juan the place to be on the Central Coast for a weekend.
This weekend’s festival, organized by Williams Ltd., will be another reason to celebrate San Juan Bautista’s 150th anniversary throughout 2019 leading up to a big fall celebration, said Mayor Cesar Flores, who plans to help man the beer garden for the San Juan Bautista Rotary Club.
“It gives people a chance to just enjoy the leisure life in San Juan Bautista,” Flores said.
As for details on the festival, according to organizers, attendees can find “one-of-a-kind treasures” that will include hand-crafted jewelry, fashion wear, home décor, garden accessories, wood carvings and gourmet foods, among other goods.
Food vendors will provide on-the-spot cooking of everything from American barbeque to international cuisine including Greek, Mexican and Thai foods, according to organizers. Otherwise, those with a sweet tooth can enjoy such offerings as freshly squeezed lemonade, snow cones or kettle corn, making it an enjoyable stop for families. Children also can take in a pony ride, petting zoo, face painting and more.
For music fans, the Patty Kistner Band performs all weekend playing the best of classic country rock, according to the festival.
Below, see video from last year’s Fine Arts and Crafts Festivals in San Juan:
Festival Details:
Who: Williams Ltd.
What: Fine Arts and Quality Crafts Festival
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Third Street in downtown San Juan Bautista
Other: Admission and parking are free
