WHITEHALL, MI – Sometimes, handmade gifts are the best.
For the 36th Annual White Lake Area Arts and Crafts Festival this weekend in Whitehall, the 85 artists and vendors didn’t have a choice in the matter.
Hundreds of residents passed through Whitehall’s Goodrich Park, 100 N. Lake St., on Sunday, June 15 to close out the weekend at the White Lake Area Arts and Crafts Festival. The event set itself apart with a talented group of artists and entrepreneurs who only were allowed to sell items they personally cultivated.
Amy VanLoon, executive director for the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, said the artists and their creatively built items are what give the festival longevity in the community.
“It’s a great location and people know it’s going on,” VanLoon said. “Whether they’re coming from Montague or Whitehall, it’s a great way to kick off the summer for a lot of people.”
Several rows of artists lined the edge of White Lake, selling items ranging from humming bird feeders to framed photos of Lake Michigan and water gun shooters, among many others. Festival-goers also had the option to grab an elephant ear or a burger while taking in the range of the day’s activities.
With a tent set up close to the lake, Carson City resident Ken Crouse brought out his art supplies to offer caricature drawings for interested guests – a skill he picked up while working at an amusement park in Chicago in his youth.
His tent lined with large drawings of notable Michigan figures including Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander and Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Crouse said he travels to many festivals during the summer months, hoping to show off his talents for anyone interested in seeing them.
“It’s a challenge, really, to catch a likeness,” Crouse said. “I know a number of caricaturists around the state and they all have different styles. Some are more cartoony, but I really do try to catch a likeness when I draw mine and that’s the challenge.”
The weekend also featured several musicians to set the tone for festival-goers.
Mike Snell, The Edukators and Keith Scott all performed. Scott was providing the sweet sounds of Chicago blues music on Sunday afternoon.
“I meet a lot of interesting people. I like it a lot, man,” Scott said. “I’ve not had time to (peruse the tents) yet. I’m hoping I’m busy and don’t have time.”
And even with a local flavor in mind, the festival provided a fun afternoon getaway for many others, including Ada resident Barry Getzen.
“There’s been some nice crafts and nice photography,” Getzen said. “There’s fishing poles and things like that, and there’s some really quality craft items out here.”
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