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Arts and Crafts Fair History

The annual Hot Springs Arts & Crafts Fair began in 1968 and will celebrate its’ 41^st anniversary in 2009.  In terms of attendance and sales, it is one of the oldest and largest arts and crafts fairs in the state of Arkansas.  Each year there are well over 400 Craftsmen, Artisans, and Vendors  from Arkansas and several other states, both near and far, to participate in this annual event. The history of the Hot Springs Arts & Crafts Fair is almost as rich and colorful as the city of Hot Springs itself.  The Fair has grown into an event for the entire family and features pony rides and a petting zoo for children.

To residents of Hot Springs and surrounding areas, The Arts and Crafts Fair serves as the official “kickoff” event heralding the rapidly approaching holiday season.

The Arts and Crafts Fair is traditionally held in Hot Springs at the Garland County Fairgrounds.  2007 marked the opening of the new Garland County fairground.  It is larger, more conveniently located, boasts outstanding features, spacious parking, hook-ups for vendor’s campers, shower facilities, several large enclosed buildings, and several roofed buildings.  Because it is approximately 40% larger, it can accommodate more craftsmen and vendors than the old fairground.

The Extension Homemakers Building located on the fairground is equipped with a "State of the Art" kitchen where hot, nutritious foods and snacks are prepared and served.  The dining area is large enough to seat hundreds of visitors, vendors, and craftsmen.

It is expected that attendance for the Craft Show at  the new fairground will rival prior years and draw even more participants and visitors because of the added buildings, space and parking.  We extend a cordial invitation to new craftsmen, and a hearty welcome back to the craftsmen who have been setting up at our fair for years.  

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City of Hot Springs History

Hot Springs is the only town in the United States whose north boundaries totally lie within a National Park and is nestled in the center of the beautiful Ouachita mountains surrounded by three sparkling bodies of water;  Lake Hamilton, Lake Catherine and Lake Ouachita.

Hot Springs is the smallest and oldest of the parks in the National Park System, dating back to 1832, when Congress established - (32 years ahead of Yellowstone) - the first federally protected reservation in the nation's history.  Hot Springs Reservation - which was renamed "Hot Springs National Park" in 1921 - was originally created by Congress to protect the 47 naturally flowing thermal springs in the area.  Hot Springs is often referred to as “The Diamond Lakes” region. The city is also home to the famous and beautiful Bath House Row.

Known as the “Spa City”, Hot Springs draws thousands of visitors annually to enjoy a myriad of special events which include Blues Festivals, Bike Rallies, World Class Horse Racing, Art Shows, Theater, Concerts, Fishing, Hiking, Water Sports and, of course, the now famous Arts and Crafts Fair.

Hot Springs, though quite diverse and large enough to satisfy the tastes of the most seasoned tourists, proudly maintains its’ small town, friendly, “Ya’ll come and sit a spell” atmosphere that is quite obviously absent in so many other cities.  Perhaps the cultural diversity, friendly people, rich history, and scenic beauty of this city are the reasons so many people choose to move to Hot Springs each year and make it their home.

All meetings and activities announced in this website are open to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.   Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should notify the County Extension Office as soon as possible prior to the activity.  The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.