Fair weather greets Saturday ArtFest attendees in Grand Forks' University Park

Jun. 8—GRAND FORKS — Fair weather greeted Saturday attendees of this weekend's ArtFest.

The annual event continues Sunday in University Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organized by Grand Forks' Public Arts Commission, it features artists, musicians and food vendors under the park's tree canopy.

As previously reported by the Herald, the event "is a celebration of creativity and community," according to John Nelson, PAC board member. "It's a fantastic opportunity for art-lovers and festival-goers to experience the diverse talent our region has to offer."

Organizers project the two-day event will bring in around 20,000 people over the weekend. ArtFest is free to attend.

PAC board member Ann Brown said the event brought in more vendors than last year, alongside old favorites like glassblower Jon Offutt.

She said she was pleased the event has continued to expand in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"That's what we're striving for —that it just gets bigger every year. And it has," Brown said.

Nearly 80 vendors set up shop throughout the park, as well as a dozen food trucks.

El Walsh, a rising high school senior, was one of the new vendors after hosting booths at Downtown Street Fair and Town Square Farmer's Market.

"I really like vendor shows and I'm really glad I can be part of one this year," said Welsh, who sells handmade jewelry, prints and stickers.

Nate Freese, a UND undergraduate and resident of the University Park neighborhood, has been a regular attendee of the event since moving off-campus two years ago. He said he comes to buy honey and kettle corn.

"There are a lot more tents than last year, and more people," he noted.

Sunday's entertainment includes: 10-10:40 a.m., Cheron; 11-11:40 a.m., Maura Ferguson Music; 12-12:40 p.m., Popejoy Jazztet; 1-1:40 p.m., Penumbra; 2-2:40, Project: Constellation; and 3-3:40 p.m., The HeatSeekers.