War Eagle Fair

     It's been a busy first year of business for Ryan and Amanda Fitzgerald of FITZ Fabrications.      The Tulsa, Oklahoma, couple came to the craft world after making a few LED illuminated signs from old barn tin.  After receiving several compliments and comments on the signs, they decided to make a few more signs to test the market for selling them.  The signs sold quickly and it's been a steady rise for them since.      In the last year, their business has expanded to include more craft fairs, an ever expanding Facebook following, and a partnership with Country Outfitter.  They also ship their items to states across the nation every week.  For the Fitzgerald's, "it's a fulfilling thought to think people all over the nation are being encouraged, inspired, and reminded of their blessing by our products hanging in their personal spaces."  One of their first signs sold was a sign that said "HOPE" a...

Photo Courtesy of Sarah Dodds Country Memories Soap began about ten years ago after Sarah Dodds saw someone at a craft fair selling beautiful soaps.  She returned home to Bogard, Missouri, and taught herself the craft of soapmaking.  Today, she participates in craft shows from Washington to Illinois, including the War Eagle Fair each October. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Dodds Sarah has been exhibiting at War Eagle since 2009.  She says they came to the War Eagle Fair because they "heard that War Eagle had a wonderful reputation" and "wanted to be a part of it."  Like so many others, Sarah's favorite part of War Eagle is the scenery. When it comes to fellow exhibitors, Koelzer Bee Farm tops her list of favorites. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Dodds When we asked Sarah for her best advice for other crafters, she put it quite simply: always produce the best product possible.  She follows this advice herself.  Sarah is proud of her Country Memories soaps...

Being a new exhibitor at the War Eagle Fair is exciting, but it can be a little overwhelming as well.  We hope that this post will answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from new exhibitors (and seasoned exhibitors sometimes too!). How big is my booth? 8 feet deep by 13 feet wide Is electricity provided? Yes!  Each booth is outfitted with electricity provided through overhead lighting. A limited quantity of adapters are available at the fair office but you are encouraged to bring your own. Do I need to bring my own tent? No.  Our event is organized under four large, circus-style tents and in one large, permanent exhibit building.  Everything is under cover, so there is no need to bring your own tent. Can I get a double booth? Not during your first year.  Years ago, we adopted some guidelines and rules for assigning double booths.  First year exhibitors do not qualify for double booths.  There are a very li...

**Reprinted from the 60th Anniversary War Eagle Fair Guide Book**      Every fall, thousands of people converge on the War Eagle River valley.   For sixty years, they have come from near and far to the War Eagle Fair to shop, eat, and create memories.   Throughout its history, the fair has been many things to many people.   To some, it is part of their livelihood and how they preserve their art.   To others, it is an annual family outing.   To me, it is where I come from, a member of my family, a living legacy left behind by those who came before me.      I was born in the summer of 1982, the year before the fair’s thirtieth anniversary.   My father, Fred Jr., is the grandson of Blanche Elliott who founded the War Eagle Fair in 1954.   At the time that I was born, the Ozark Arts and Crafts Fair Association, the non-profit organization behind the fair, sponsored three events each year: a spring arts and craft...

We are pretty sure we have the most awesome exhibitors in the universe.  This diverse group of interesting people are some of the most talented and hardworking individuals we know.  They work throughout the year to create the amazing items that bring people out each October.  Without them, the War Eagle Fair would not be what it is today.  So, we decided that they should get a little time front and center on the blog through exhibitor features.  This new blog feature will put the spotlight on one exhibitor each week (maybe more if we can squeeze it in!).  You'll find out who they are, what they do, and why they love their craft.  Not only will you get to read about our fabulous exhibitors, but we will also throw in a few pictures.  Check back soon for the first of many exciting exhibitor features!

How do I become an exhibitor at the War Eagle Fair? We get this question a lot.  It is probably among the top three questions asked around here.  Becoming an exhibitor at the War Eagle Fair starts with submitting a screening application (click here to download yours).  The screening application is your chance to blow our jury away with your unique, quality, handmade items.  It's a basic introduction to you, with information on you, your craft, and your experience. Once you have completed your screening application, select the pictures you wish to submit with it.  We ask for four to six photos.  Included among these photos, we want to see your items.  Make sure to show us good pictures that reflect your item as positively as possible.  We also want to see the process you go through to make your items.  The process photos are an important part of the screening process but tend to be the most forgotten.  The third type of photo to be ...

The War Eagle Fair has a rich history, full of stories that are just begging to be told.  For this reason, the history of the Fair will have to be told over multiple posts.  That, after all, is part of the purpose for this blog.  We want to share more than just a blurb with you about the Fair.  But, before we start our trip down memory lane, I thought it would be good to do a short version of the Fair's history. The War Eagle Fair was founded in 1954.  It was the brainchild of Blanche Elliott.  After a successful week of a weaving course hosted in War Eagle by the Northwest Arkansas Handweavers Guild which ended with a exhibition of items created during the course, Mrs. Elliott was inspired to put together an arts and crafts fair with the beautiful War Eagle River valley as the backdrop.  Fall was chosen in order to showcase the colorful beauty of the Ozarks foliage as well as the traditional arts and crafts.     The first War Eagle...