The Beersheba Spings Arts & Crafts Fair

Arts & Crafts Fair

July  7, 2021

Written by: Trevor Gentry

The Beersheba Springs Arts and Craft Fair is rich in history and has a long-standing tradition of bringing unique hand-crafted vendors from around the south. Since 1966, The Beersheba Springs Arts and Craft Fair has been held on the 4th full weekend in August each year. The craft fair is entering a milestone of 54 years of service to the Beersheba Springs Community.  This event is held on the historic Beersheba United Methodist Assembly Grounds, the site of the historical hotel, and the setting is one-of-a-kind and as wonderful as art. The fair features 150+ artisans & craft vendors. All displays are handcrafted art. 

I wanted to dig into a deeper understanding of what this craft fair means to the people of Beersheba Springs. So, I decided to interview Ramona Forsyth, who grew up going to the Arts and Crafts Fair and is currently serving on the Beersheba Springs Craft Fair Board.

 The first question I asked Ramona was, “What is a fond memory you have of the craft fair”? She stated, “I remember one time when I was a kid there was a group dressed up in period costumes from the 1800s giving wagon rides. I rode in the wagon around the hotel and thought that was the coolest thing. I always remember going to the Craft Fair both days. On Saturdays, we would go early, come back, and eat bologna sandwiches. On Sundays, we would always go after church, and there would be an even bigger crowd than Saturday. I also remember Alf Adam’s field being filled with cars, and cars were parked down into the Stone Door Road because there was no parking since there were so many people. “

I also asked Ramona, “What makes the Beersheba Springs Arts and Craft unique”? One thing that is unique about our fair is all our crafts are handmade. Not all craft fairs do that some allow mass-produced items. Our craft fair is designed to spotlight individuals that are handcrafters and true Artists. Another unique thing about the craft fair is the proceeds help fill food baskets for needy families as well as benefiting the Beersheba Springs Library, Beersheba Springs Rescue Squad, Beersheba Springs Community Center, and Grundy County Center for Exceptional Citizens, local nursing homes, and North Elementary School.

The Beersheba Springs Arts and Craft fair is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that brings people together to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Beersheba, local crafters, and artists, and also gives back to the community. It is through this community fundraising opportunity that many improvements have been made to our community.  Vendor registration is still open and we can’t wait to see our regular artists and crafters and new friends, too. Thank you for supporting Beersheba for 54 years! We hope that we will see you at the Craft Fair on August 28th-29th 2021. 

For more information on the Fair or Vendor Information check out the Fair’s Facebook Page.