It’s the time of year again for artful autumn vibes, crafty fall breezes, and faithful festival volunteerism.
As soon as the classic car dust settles at the end of this week from America’s largest block party Cruisin’ The Coast in Ocean Springs, Peter Anderson Festival organizers will be searching for volunteers for the largest arts and crafts event in the nation.
The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street- Tourism Bureau is currently calling for volunteers to step up and participate in the 44th annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival.
This year’s event is set for Nov. 5 and 6 and needs numerous volunteers to run smoothly.
This Mississippi Gulf Coast seasonal staple showcases more than 400 booths of artists and crafters from across the United States and even further. Each year, the volunteers help welcome artists and crafters and nearly 150,000 visitors to the Gulf Coast for the annual festival.
With paintings, pottery, hand-made jewelry, and hand-crafted metal works, festival-goers can enjoy an exciting weekend of diverse art, live local music, the freshest coastal fare, and local cuisine set amid the gorgeous southern flora of 300-year-old live oaks in the charming downtown Ocean Springs. Many of the artists will be creating quite a show at their booths during the festival by demonstrating their works. Artists can be seen painting, sculpting, and even firing up some pottery right in the middle of downtown.
The musical entertainment will be provided by Karate Kids, Saint Social, Jessica Horton, and others spread throughout the festival venue. Look for the official music signs spaced all over the event to find your favorite musical artist or band.
The festival is sponsored by Blue Moon through F.E.B. Distributing, which holds an annual festival art contest the Blue Moon Art Project. Mississippi artists paint their interpretation of a blue moon for a chance to win $2,000 and to be the symbol for Blue Moon’s marketing surrounding the following year’s festival. At 2 p.m. on Nov. 6, a People’s Choice Award will be decided by festival-goers and the artist will also be presented with a monetary prize.
The festival was first created to honor master potter, Peter Anderson, an original potter of Shearwater Pottery, and to celebrate the arts community. The festival aids in the economic development and growth of what has become a thriving, art-inspired city.
The city’s mission is to increase the public awareness of local artists, shops, and restaurants and to create opportunities for artists, business development, and welcoming quality of life for residents and visitors. This festival is one of the largest economic drivers for the community and a quality event for those who live and work here on the Coast.
Volunteer sign-up begins today and will be available through Nov. 1. All first-time volunteers will be invited to a volunteer orientation session before the festival.
If you are interested in joining in on the volunteerism fun during the festival weekend click here or call 228-875-4424.
