Local Arts & Crafts Festival, 11/04/2017

Several people we have met here in Biloxi told us about the festival in nearby Ocean Springs, MS. Held November 4 and 5, it is the 39th Annual Peter Anderson Festival. Celebrating the arts, the festival honors master potter Peter Anderson. His shop continues to creates beautiful pottery in Ocean Springs (www.shearwaterpottery.com). Since the early 1900s, his family has been an important part of the growth of the arts community here. With over 350 vendors, the Peter Anderson Festival is the largest such event in Mississippi that include artists, crafters, and food vendors. 

The presenting sponsor of the event was Blue Moon and many other local businesses were platinum, double diamond, silver and bronze sponsors. 

We picked up a map at one of the four information centers as the festival covers many blocks in the artistic area of Ocean Springs. 

Thousands of visitors were there shopping, eating, drinking, listening to music, and generally enjoying the vibrant arts scene. There are also several small parks on the fringe of the festival area.

There were lots of garden-related items for sale. We really loved this saxophone fountain!

Paintings, maps, quilts and colorful tie-dye clothing...

Pottery, birdhouses, and rocking chairs...

Check out this ice cream maker! It is powered by a 1947 International LB Series motor (3-5 HP). 

Stores in the area of the festival were also open with many items displayed outside. 

Because we live in an RV and have very little available space, the only item we purchased, was a jar of jalapeño pepper jelly. It was available from multiple vendors. I will use it for one of my favorite appetizers on Thanksgiving. 

Here's the super simple recipe:

• mix equal amounts of whole berry cranberry sauce and jalapeño pepper jelly (1/2 cup each or desired quantity)
• pour over an 8 oz brick of cream cheese
• serve with crackers.
• Enjoy!

Our sweet doggie, Sadie, accompanied us and she met lots of interesting people and dogs. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon. We paid $10 for parking, although there was free parking in various places in Ocean Springs with a shuttle service to the festival.

Information about the 2018 festival will be available on May 1, 2018, here: www.peterandersonfestival.com.