Memorial Day Features Arts and Antiques & Collectibles - 04/22/2008

Memorial Day Weekend is filled with visitors: shoppers, diners, wildlife watchers, purveyors of arts and crafts, and antique and collectibles enthusiasts. Amidst the budding trees and blossoming flowers, Estes Park is alive with activities that will continue throughout the summer and into the fall.

On Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26, Bond Park in the center of downtown is filled with more than 90 local, statewide, and national artisans showcasing their talents. This is the 9th year for the juried Art Market which is organized and sponsored by the Art Center of Estes Park. A new feature to the Art Market is “Gallery Row;” implemented by other top outdoor shows. Gallery Row will provide six local art galleries an opportunity to display the works of artists they represent. Live music and food will be available throughout the three-day weekend. Art Market hours are Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Barn W at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park is the site for the Estes Park Antiques and Collectibles Show, another traditional event that kicks off the summer season in Estes Park. Antique dealers from throughout the state bring the best furniture, jewelry and household items for people to check out. Dressers, rocking chairs, and dining sets have been on display in past years along with gemstone pendants, rings, watches and silver services.

Last year the show attracted more than 1,900 visitors, and this year is anticipated to draw an even larger crowd. There will be 45 vendors with booths filled with an array hidden treasures waiting to be found: jewelry, rare glass, books, fine antique furniture, and wood burning stoves.
If all that browsing makes you hungry, there will be a booth where collectors can grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a barbecue sandwich. The Antiques and Collectables Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $1.

For more information about these, or any other events in Estes Park, call 970-577-9900 or 800-44-ESTES, or visit www.EstesParkCVB.com