Festivals are by definition events that celebrate something. Those who attended the 5th annual South Street Art Festival this past weekend in Downtown Arlington celebrated for different reasons.
The three-day festival, presented by the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, featured more than 50 artist booths, a wine tasting experience, live music and a craft beer garden.
While out celebrating a pal's 50th birthday, Grapevine resident Kevin Button stopped by South Street to browse the photographs, paintings, and sculptures offered by both local and out-of-town artists.
"We were having drinks at J. Gilligan's, heard the music outside and decided to come over," Button said. "My wife and I love these kinds of events. We didn't know it was going on, but it was a happy surprise when we found it. Arlington's Downtown has really come alive in the past few years. It's a great thing to see happening."
Christian and Stephanie Vanderbeck of Southlake and Christian and Tricia Whitlock of Arlington said they came to South Street to celebrate their shared love of festivals.
"We look for them on Facebook," said Tricia Whitlock. "We attend a fair amount of festivals throughout the year all over DFW."
Christian Vanderbeck said he was impressed with Arlington's support of the cultural arts, especially in the Downtown district.
"The city leaders have done a great job. The Levitt Pavilion is a truly remarkable space. We go there a lot to attend shows," said Vanderbeck.
Vendors were also happy to talk with festivalgoers about their work and to celebrate their craft. First-time vendor and lifelong resident Cliff Baise had a tent full of his outdoor photographs, which he texturizes with brushed-on clear glass gel to make them look more like paintings.
At the Kissing Tree Vineyards tent, Lashonda Hollins and her husband Emanuel were celebrating their friendship with winemakers and owners Christopher and Crystal Grider. They had traveled all the way up to Arlington from Eddy, Texas, just outside of Waco, to run the tent for the Griders.
"While we are managing the tent, it isn't all work," said Hollins. "We've enjoyed some delicious food and it's wonderful that we're so close to the music, which we've enjoyed listening to. It's been really busy and we've met a lot of great people."
Downtown Arlington
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