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The Rockford Region has an advantage over other parts of the country when it comes to experiencing the full range of nature's four seasons. While each season is equally anticipated by respective lovers of winter, spring, summer and fall...there's something special about fall in Rockford. Because fall typically ushers in most "seasons" for many arts organizations, it's fitting that Greenwich Village Art Fair helps kick off both each year. This year's fair is Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, September 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford.
Held rain or shine on the grounds of Rockford Art Museum at Riverfront Museum Park on the second weekend after Labor Day every year, Greenwich is the longest-running art fair of its kind in the Midwest.
About 150 artists (almost half are NEW!) will be at this year's fair, where you can meet and buy from artists who make everything from paintings, drawings and prints, to photography and mixed media, ceramics and sculpture, to jewelry and more.
And there are special events and areas inside the fair - from a full roster of live music by local musicians all day, both days, to the annual fine art raffle, plus breakfast events and a free after-hours event, too. Kids can make their own take-home art at an area just for them, and don't miss the gourmet marketplace - where you can pick up something from a dairy farmer or local chocolatier. Of course there's plenty of fair favorites to snack on like waffle cones and kettle corn, plus Bistro Breakfasts (custom-ordered crepes and omelets, yum!) and lunch and dinner items throughout the day.
New this year - park and ride! Fair-goers can park at any of many downtown parking lots and catch a free ride to Greenwich. The RMTD shuttle will run a 15-minute loop in the city's center. The four bus stops along Main Street are close to Park Avenue (near Coronado Theatre), State Street (near Sullivan Center and Kortman Gallery), Elm Street (near BMO Harris Bank Center), and Veterans Memorial Hall (across from the main library). Numerous public and private lots are a short walk from each stop.
Proceeds from tickets ($5 at the gate, good for both days; free for ages 12 and younger) support everything at Rockford Art Museum throughout the year. Advance tickets are available for $3 through Friday, September 12 at Rockford Art Museum Store or any Alpine Bank location. Ticket holders also get free admission to RAM through September 30. Talk about bang for your buck!
Alpine Bank has been the Presenting Sponsor of Greenwich Village Art Fair for more than 20 years. Learn more about this Rockford tradition at rockfordartmuseum.org/gvaf or connect with @greenwichrockford #greenwichrockford on social media.
Photos by Nels Akerlund
Written by Sarah Bursley McNamara, Rockford Art Museum
Sarah Bursley McNamara is Community Relations at Rockford Art Museum. A North Carolina native and Appalachian State alum, she has called Rockford's west side home for nearly a decade. This is her 10th Greenwich Village Art Fair.
