Festival Event 
Redbud Arts and Crafts Festival
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Photo © Redbud Garden Club
Event Dates: May 10, 2014 - May 11, 2014
The annual Redbud Arts and Crafts Festival in Three Rivers is held every Mother's Day Weekend. It was started in 1974 by members of the Redbud Garden Club (founded in 1951) and residents of the town who were members of the local golf club. After the first Redbud Festival, a short article appeared in the local newspaper quoting one of the founders who said they hoped it would become an annual event. Now 40 years later, "the Redbud" as the locals call it, is one of our best community gatherings.
The Redbud Festival is now sponsored by the Arts Alliance of Three Rivers. The festival features local artists, musicians and food, with around 60 booths. All exhibited arts and crafts must be original and all items must be handcrafted by the exhibitor. A wide range of art is shown, including hand-thrown pottery as well as clay sculpture, handcrafted jewelry, handwoven shawls, scarves, and placemats made from old blue jeans, local photography, oil painting, locally made organic skin care products, an exquisite selection of gourd art, a children's art exhibit, lathe-turned bowls, a huge plant sale from the Redbud Garden Club, handwoven baskets, and handmade paper.
A “Pick a Prize” raffle is held to support the Lorraine Young Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Arts Alliance. Each artist is asked to donate a piece of artwork for the raffle. Scholarships benefit local students pursuing careers in the arts.
Saturday hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday hours are from 10 am to 4 pm.
It is held at the Lions Roping Arena in Three Rivers, California, surrounded by the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills along the North Fork of the Kaweah River.
Directions: Go east on Hwy 198 into Three Rivers, turn left on North Fork Drive at Anne Lang's Emporium. Follow the Redbud Festival signs, turn right on Kaweah River Drive. Take the first left and follow to large open area parking lot just below the Festival.
Admission Fee (if any): Admission is free
Ages Festival is Appropriate For: All ages
ADA Accessibility NotesHandicap accessible. Park in the upper level behind the Festival grounds.
Pet Friendly NotesPets must be on a leash.
photos
Nikki Crain wrote on April 21, 2011: "Festival" is definitely the right term to describe this event. Although the redbud trees are no longer blooming, it is a time to celebrate the passing of winter. Good food and music contribute to the feeling of happiness that permeates these two days. Then there’s the art! Everything is hand made by the participants. The variety is astounding. Demonstrations are ongoing. Attendance and abundant parking are free. Buy a raffle ticket for one of the many pieces of art donated by the artists. Proceeds go to scholarships for art students. Don't miss this event.
Shirley Keller wrote on March 28, 2011: My favorite thing about the Redbud is the raffle. Original art is donated to the cause and the money from tickets provide scholarships to youngsters majoring in art. I hold my breath each year hoping to get the piece of art I covet and a student gets to go art school. A win win if you ask me!
Jana Botkin wrote on February 23, 2011: The Redbud Festival is one of the finest events I have participated in. There is a wonderful variety of products for sale, the music is outstanding, and the organizers treat the vendors like family! This is a wonderful opportunity to visit with the artists and treat your Mom to a beautiful spring day in the foothills.
Eddie McArthur wrote on February 15, 2011: I used to live in Three Rivers and can say the Redbud is just great fun for everyone! There are wonderful art and craft items available; the free music is terrific; and it makes for a thoroughly enjoyable day!
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