Craft fair to run this weekend in Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT – You can buy pottery, folk art, handmade jewelry and maybe even find some extra cash as the Recreation Department hosts the first Swampscott Arts and Craft Festival organized by Castleberry Fairs this weekend at Linscott Park.”It’s nice to do these type of things so that we can have people see our seaside community,” Recreation Director Danielle Strauss said Monday.Nearly 75 booths where crafters, artists, cooks and more can offer their wares will be erected at Linscott Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The free event is organized by Castleberry Fairs, a New Hampshire company that promotes similar shows all over New England.Company director Terry Mullen said the fairs feature selected “mom-and-pop” crafters and artists who attract a loyal following to such shows as the Bourne Scallop Festival and the Gloucester Waterfront Festival. She said that she expects the Swampscott event to attract a couple thousand visitors due to the area’s support of the arts, its picturesque location and the unique products offered for sale.”It’s really good sized for a first-time event,” Mullen said. “It’s all New England artists and a lot of artists from the North Shore. There will also be live craft demonstrations, music on the bandstand and snack food.”Strauss said that she originally held a local crafts fair but that it became too onerous to organize herself. Castleberry, however, handles everything, including trash, overnight security for the booths and porta-potties.”All I have to do is make sure that the sprinkler system stays off and they have electricity,” Strauss said.Mullen said representatives from the Massachusetts Treasury Department will also attend.”It’s something new and I was a little unsure,” Mullen admitted. “But they wanted to come to Swampscott. I guess you can look up your name and see if you have any money somewhere.”The Swampscott Arts and Craft Festival will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Linscott Park on Monument Avenue. The fair is held rain or shine and is handicap accessible. Admission is free. For more information, call 603-332-2616 or visit www.castleberrryfairs.com.