Located in the heart of the Carmel Arts and Design District in Old Town close to 138 artists moved in for the weekend and set up our unique shops. There was nothing old about this town. It was like stepping in to a new era of keenly designed buildings and walkways. Unique stores and wonderful restaurants all beckoned one to enjoy their day.
We didn't have time to shop but we sure did enjoy the food at Mudbugs Cajun Cafe (several times). Their Cajun food warmed our tummy and soul over the weekend. Ken and I had the sampler plate Friday night after setting up our booth. The hard part was choosing just 3 items from their long list of choices. With 6 different dishes to share between us we were like pigs in mud! They were all good but my favorite was Miss Anne’s Crayfish Casserole, it was so good I sent Ken to get some on Sunday too. With the cool and rainy weekend in store for us it was just what the doctor ordered.
The show Saturday was well attended despite the rainy morning start. It was fun to see the Chinese Dragon Dance Team parade by our booth in their bright costumes. The day was full of surprises as my sister-in-law Cathy and niece Desi stopped by to check out my jewelry designs. The best surprise of all was getting to see my high school friend Jan! I hadn’t seen her in over 30 yrs. and it was so good to see her smiling face again. I just wish I’d had more time to spend with all of them. 
Sunday it rained all day and the cold dampness seeped through our bones. A few brave souls ventured out to shop and were suited up in assorted rain attire. One lady stood out from the crowd and looked fantastic in her purple rain coat, floral umbrella and printed water boots. I was so glad she came to visit at my booth and I just had to get her picture. Joan is the owner of Lilly’s, a ladies wearable art boutique nestled in historic Zionsville, IN and if her outfit is anything like her store I can’t wait to visit and shop there. 
Speaking of shopping, the slow rainy day gave me a chance to visit other artist booths and I purchased three really incredible sculpted wire willow trees done by Gerald Sanders of Nashville, TN. The one to the right has a oil reservoir on the bottom and the campfire lights up. I love trees and his work was fantastic!!!!!
The committee for this show is top of the line!!! Care teams were assigned to different sections of the show and our team made sure we had drinking water throughout the day and quickly solved any problems or concerns we had over the weekend and took good care of us.
The only bad mark for the weekend was one really nasty cop who made life difficult for several artists on Saturday evening. He was the exception to the rule over the weekend that was otherwise full of fun, friendly people and a wonderful committee.
My hats off to the organizing team for a job well done. I can't wait to return again next year!!!!
