Totally Buffalo has confirmed that after 56 years, the Quaker Arts Festival is calling it quits. In a letter to past vendors, the Orchard Park Jaycees, who run the festival, said, “It is with heavy hearts that we, the Orchard Park Jaycees, announce that 2017 was the final year for the Annual Quaker Arts Festival.”
The Jaycees also wrote in the letter, “In addition, to run an event such as the Quaker Arts Festival, not only must we feel comfortable running this event, we must also be substantially certain that the event is safe for vendors, patrons and the organizers. Considering the increasing number of horrific events occurring in our country and rising costs, we are no longer able to ensure the welfare and safety of our patrons, vendors and organizers.”
The festival is always a big deal for the Southtowns and Orchard Park. Some 300 or so vendors line the village streets and tens of thousands shop for those special products you can not find in stores.
The Jaycees cite increased costs and decreased vendor interest as the reasons for ending the festival.
More to come…
Entire Letter, plus reaction over OP Quaker Arts Festival ending
I am not surprised that the QA Festival is no longer. I’ve attended for many many years and last year was a complete disappointment. The vendors that I visited for so many years were no longer there. The crowds were no longer there. I always found unique items and I was always proud to display them in my home or yard. These special vendors will be sorely missed.
Saw this about Quaker Arts Festival, been an exhibitor for the last 36 years. I have heard nothing, received no letter by OP Jaycees to confirm this.
Wrote you tha above message. Right after I sent to you, we received the email from the OPJaycees confirming your above piece. It is very sad after so many years for the Jaycees to have to call it quits. We will miss doing this well established, high quality arts and craft show in OP. Belle
So sorry to see this happening. I have always looked forward to this event.
I can’t believe the Jaycees cut the Quaker Arts festival. Thank you for being part of this for 36 yrs.
I find it hard to believe that people shopping online hurt the festival. I loved going there and purchasing unique items, ones you cant get online. Maybe this can move downtown to Canalside or the Outer Harbor.
I has not been the same for many many years, wasnt worth the time and effort, no quality stuff anymore…
Extremely disappointed about the Festival ending. Although I think there is a lot more to it than is being said. It’s been said that one of the reasons for it ending is due to safety & the horrific events happening around the country. So do we close malls, churches & other venue’s & stop enjoying life? I hope they reconsider & find a solution.