The 19th annual Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts will be held this coming weekend, Sept. 24th and 25th, 2011.
Many of the 60-plus artisans who have participated in the festival are nationally recognized. All of the work is quality, in addition to being affordable, plus the setting is unbelievable. Crystal clear water, springs gushing out of the rocks above, enjoy the beauty of Ritter Island, which many Idahoans consider simply to be the most beautiful spot in the entire state.
So, if you missed that certain kind of jewelry, pottery, glasswork or vintage-designed clothing that you always meant to buy but postponed, you finally have another chance this year to grab that special artwork.
The Artisans of 2011
The Thousand Springs Festival prides itself on featuring unique and talented artists from the local region. Here are the 62 artisans we have lined up for the 2011 festival. From painters, potters and photographers to jewelers, glass blowers and soap makers; blacksmiths, antler carvers and game makers to weavers, welders and wood workers, we've got them all and more!
Click here for a complete list of this years artisans
Live Music
The Thousand Springs Festival prides itself on bringing high-quality and interesting musicians from the region to perform for your listening pleasure. With a focus on showcasing original song writing primarily in the jazz, blues, acoustical guitar and world folk music genres, the festival has been a hot spot for seeing premium acts for going on 19 years, and the 2011 festival is shaping up to be no exception!
Click here for a list of this years musicians
The sound system pumps music throughout the park so that you can enjoy it while you're sitting in front of the sound stage, sitting under the shade trees, enjoying a meal of local food specialties such as Basque cuisine, authentic Mexican, barbecued pork or locally raised trout, or sharing a glass of wine or beer with friends, or perusing the crafts and information booths.
Canoe Rides
Paddle through the crystal clear waters surrounding the island and see the waterfall up close! Olin & Shelley Gardner of Idaho Guide Service Inc. and Kelvin & Connie Jones of Sagebrush Canoe will be donating time and equipment for the benefit of the Southern Idaho Land Trust to support and contribute to the good work SILT does.
Guests will be able to take an incredible trip around Ritter Island that is self guided, or they can get help from the tour guide staff, including instruction. A canoe tour takes approximately one hour. You could get wet if you tip your boat over. All crafts are equipped with life jackets and there is no danger other than the possibility of getting WET.
These tours are appropriate for kids and seniors, and you can fit two to four people per boat. This activity is a memory-maker, for sure! Donations are appreciated ($25 per boat is suggested) and ALL funds raised will go towards the conservation projects of Southern Idaho Land Trust and the care of Thousand Springs State Park.
Thanks to the Gardners and Joneses for providing this great service and being such wonderful supporters of SILT and the Nature Conservancy!
Wagon Rides
Tour the island on one of several horse or mule drawn wagons during the weekend. This is a real treat for the kids. Take your camera as you'll pass by the waterfalls across the way. The friendly folks of the Southern Idaho Draft Horse and Mule Association have brought their teams down to the festival for years and are always a favorite. Donations are welcome and appreciated. A portion of every donation goes towards conservation projects in the Magic Valley.
Kids Corner
Bring your little ones by the Kids Corner where they can paint a pumpkin, draw or paint pictures, use stamps (with parental supervision) to stamp their hands and face, or have a professional face painter add just the right touch of festival flair to their face or hands! But many will want to take time to look at the art.
For additional information, driving directions and more, click here: Thousand Springs Festival
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