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30 years ago, we dreamed of creating a venue for local artists to display and sell their creations in a pleasant outdoor summer setting. The dream quickly expanded to include artists and craftsmen from other areas and the character of the show matured into an attraction for all members of the family to enjoy for the whole day and, for some, the entire weekend.
Engaging events for children, music and dance entertainment features on the stage, demonstrations and food and drink at numerous concession stands in the park accommodate visitors each day.
Utilizing the assistance and involvement of a number of organizations in West Branch to sponsor and to manage many of the activities on the program has been both a desirable and practical consideration.
We also acknowledge the support of city officials in the execution and fulfillment of this dream during the last 30 years. It has been appreciated and the ensuing spirit of cooperation has resulted in several improvements to Irons Park which the public may now enjoy. Additional trees, park benches, construction of the new covered bridge, improved and expanded walkways, additional electrical provisions, newer restroom facilities and modernization of the warming shed are some of the contributions which the Victorian Art Fair has provided from its share of each year’s event proceeds.
The impact on the City of West Branch and the surrounding community of this event each year has become quite significant indeed.
The West Branch Creative Arts Association and its Victorian Art Fair Committee are proud to have been able to sponsor these art-in-the-park shows during these last 30 years and extends their heartfelt “thank you” to all those who have helped make it possible, especially to the thousands upon thousands of visitors who have shown their interest and appreciation by supporting our hardworking exhibitors with the purchase of multitudes of the artfully crafted items displayed for sale.
The Fair commemorates the “Victorian Era” which is a special period of our town’s heritage. A period that will continue to grow in importance as the West Branch Community moves towards the realization of “Operation Pride”, the transformation of the city into an elegant Victorian village.
The Victorian Era from 1830 to 1900 was a time of great invention, color, decoration and character. It was a time of pride in family and community. In keeping with this ideal, the Art Fair Committee has planned entertainment and activities that will contribute to the Victorian theme.
Visitors are intrigued and delighted by the combination of Victorian era costumes, events and entertainment that provide an enjoyable and interesting background for the art and craft exhibits. We believe that visitors to our fair will find it to be a pleasurable and memorable experience.
It is becoming very difficult to imagine West Branch in the summertime without the Victorian Art Fair.
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