Tips for Shopping NWA Craft Fair Weekend

On the outskirts of Rogers is the fair that started it all — War Eagle, which is in its 62nd year. In fact, longtime fairgoers still refer to craft fair weekend as War Eagle Weekend despite the fact that fairs are now held across a wider range of locations within Northwest Arkansas.
War Eagle takes place outside along the banks of the War Eagle River and next to the historic War Eagle Mill, while other fairs like the Frisco Station Mall Arts & Crafts Festival are located indoors.
Many fairs require exhibitors to be juried or screened prior to acceptance. Types of goods offered are wide ranging. Stained glass, leather, basketmakers, jewelry, woodworkers, oil and acrylic painting, sculpture, and lots of other handmade arts and crafts are available. Holiday theme items are in abundance as well as seasonal decorations. Most fairs offer the opportunity to watch artisans at work.
Spread across Northwest Arkansas and offering different goods and hours of operation, it takes some planning to get the most out of your shopping extravaganza. Veterans of this buying frenzy know there are some tried and true tips for navigating the miles of aisles of handmade goods.
 
Make a Plan
“For a newbie, I would suggest taking advantage of the maps provided in the local paper,” says Debbie Kryer of Texas, who first started attending the fairs with family members in 1995. “Start early with the venue farthest away and make your way back into town to avoid some of the traffic.”
“As painful as morning can be, it’s better to be the early bird. Usually it means less waiting in line and more selection,” agrees Becca Martin, features editor for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
“Prepare to sit in the car in traffic by having some good snacks and drinks and be patient and kind to other drivers” adds Kryer. “Prepare for various types of weather too — hot, cold, wet — by having clothing and shoe options in your car.”
 
Take a Shopping Bag
“Always, always, take a good, sturdy shopping bag, and always find out if the fair has a central place to hold items until you’re ready to leave,” suggests Martin.
“It’s helpful to have a large tote to place purchases in so you can be hands free. Wheeled carts and wagons are sometimes seen but not always pedestrian friendly in tight spaces,” Kryer adds.
 
Matching Shirts
“The tradition in many families and groups of friends is matching shirts — usually T-shirts or denim shirts — and a schedule,” says Martin. “The shirts might sound silly — but it helps keep track of everyone in your party.”
Read More: http://blog.visitrogersarkansas.com/tips-for-shopping-nwa-craft-fair-weekend 
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