By Jannelle Dang
Features Editor
Art enthusiasts, dog-owners, and families gathered for the Jackalope Art and Craft Fair on Nov. 18-19 to browse indie artisan crafts, try organic foods, and enjoy the afternoon in Old Pasadena’s Central Park.
Admission was free and guests could explore over 200 vendors booths, which sold wares ranging from home decor and paper goods to jewelry and skin care items. All products were original, hand-crafted pieces made by vendors who applied to participate in the festival, and were approved by a jury of curators and artists.
Students of Pasadena High School’s (PHS) Visual Arts & Design Academy were also given an opportunity to sell their crafts at Jackalope Arts for the second year in a row. They got to title and price their own pieces, or simply showcase their work and gain exposure.
Aside from selling their art, students also offered to do face paintings.
Volunteers from PHS and Arcadia High School’s Key Club worked all day to help guests navigate the park and supervise booths for vendors.
“I get to see little kids with their smiling faces and families getting together [to] have a nice walk out in the park and enjoy the artwork around here,” stated Nicole Dawang, a senior at PHS.
In between walking through rows of tents and examining products, fair-goers could stop to rest and talk in couches under the shade or grab a snack from a variety of food trucks and settle on the lawn. Organic, natural food and drinks were offered at booths as well.
Adults, teens, and children alike spent the afternoon not only entertained by art and food, but also by live music played by an acoustic guitar and drum duo, magic tricks, and dogs. Many guests brought their pets for a walk and play time in the park.
The Pasadena Humane Society also brought dogs for people to meet and possibly adopt. Volunteers and trainers performed tricks and commands with the dogs, and helped guests interact with the animals.
After potential owners got to know their dogs and a Humane Society official ensured the animals were going to the right homes, pets could be adopted that day for $130. However, free adoptions were offered to senior citizens and veterans.
The biannual festival will return on April 28-29 next year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
