One side effect of a later start for this year's Cherry Blossom Festival is that several merchants and artists who traditionally attend the Mulberry Street Festival won't be on hand this year.
But Lisa Howard, president of the Middle Georgia Arts Association, said it may actually have a long-term benefit for visitors to the arts and crafts show because new artists and merchants have signed on to replace them.
"(Some vendors) have a festival in South Carolina that came at the same dates," she said. "So we have quite a few different vendors. I think that's a good thing. There's lots more variety. A lot of the vendors have been here before, and there are a few favorites, but we're going to have lots more new people."
For example, of the 21 jewelry vendors, 10 are new this year, Howard said. Wright Tilley, president and CEO of the Cherry Blossom Festival, said the festival will have about as many vendors as previous years.
"We lost some vendors, but we were able to replace them with other folks," he said.
Overall, Howard said, there will be some 200 vendors in attendance for the event, which will take place April 5 and 6 on Mulberry Street. The arts and crafts show is entering its 38th year — older than the Cherry Blossom Festival itself — and Howard said they are expecting about 40,000 people during the two-day event.
The arts and crafts show will feature many artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpting, metal work, jewelry, hand-painted clothing, leather crafts, woodwork and photography.
And there aren't just items made for two-legged visitors either. There will be artisans who make designer dog collars, clothing and other canine-related materials at the show.
Howard said there will also be 19 different food vendors at the show, which she said is usually one of her favorite parts to the exhibition.
"There's going to be something for everybody, all ages, all races, even two different species," she said with a laugh. To contact writer Phillip Ramati, call 744-4334. What: Mulberry Street Festival
Where: Mulberry Street
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., April 5, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., April 6
Cost: Free
