Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair, where memories are made

    Thrilled to see the streets of historic downtown Little Falls filled with thousands of shoppers and visitors from across Minnesota and other states, the Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the city to host the 50th annual Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair. The event is held the weekend after Labor Day and is set for Saturday, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

   With nearly 600 vendors, there is something for everyone, said Little Falls Chamber President/CEO Purva Watten. Some of the items sold at the fair include glassworks, paintings, wooden and metal decorations, jewelry, quilts, Christmas ornaments, handmade soaps, bath bombs, rugs, furniture and more.

   Visitors will also have the opportunity to either get food at different food trucks or at local restaurants.

   Each year, new vendors make it to the Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair. This year, Watten said, as many as 137 new vendors have signed up.

   “The vendors are coming from 17 different states. Food for all tastes. There are more than 30 food vendors with something for everyone, ranging from fresh fruits and veggies to anything and everything deep fried on a stick,” Watten said.

   While the majority of vendors are located in downtown Little Falls along Broadway and First Street, as well as near the Government Center, there are also vendors that set up across the railroad tracks near the depot on the west side of Little Falls. It is referred to as the Marketplace.

   Watten said there will be 62 vendors in the Marketplace. The difference between the fair and the Marketplace is that products sold in the Marketplace are commercial and the products on the east side of the fair are handcrafted.

   Besides the fair, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the 21st Antiques and Collectibles Fair. Held by the West Side Improvement Association, in Le Bourget Park on the west side of the Mississippi River, the event brings a variety of vendors. The Antiques and Collectibles Fair will be open the same hours as the fair, Watten said.

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