By CHARLENE PAUL
Moapa Valley Progress
Mark your calendars this weekend, November 1-2, for the 23rd Annual Moapa Valley Pomegranate Arts and Crafts Festival at the Clark County Fairgrounds. Artists and crafters from Moapa Valley and all over the region will gather to display and sell their wares. With pottery, glass, and wood artisans, over 100 vendors, crafters, entertainment, and food, the Festival promises to be an exciting event for the whole family.
“We work hard to make this an old fashioned country fair type of event that is relaxing and enjoyable for everyone,” said Jackie Worthen, event organizer. “All fine art and crafts displayed and offered for sale are handmade. Many of the items are one-of-a-kind. It’s a great time to do some early Christmas shopping.”
The Festival provides all-day entertainment. Singers, dancers, fiddlers, an orchestra, cowboy poetry, and line dancers, among others, are all local talent. The entertainment will keep the place lively, and best of all, the entertainment is free. Parking and entrance to the Festival are also free.
“The only thing you pay for is whatever you choose to purchase from our vendors,” said Worthen. “The Moapa Valley Art Guild organizes the Festival to be affordable for everyone.”
There will be a raffle booth set up where attendees can buy tickets for a chance to win prizes. “All of the money from the raffle goes to the Moapa Valley Art Guild Scholarship Fund,” said Worthen. “So, buy lots of tickets so we can help as many graduating students as possible.”
Saturday, November 2, there will be a free children’s program from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “The kids will be able to do an art project to take home,” Worthen said. “There will also be some other clever things for them to do.”
Of course, the Pomegranate Arts and Crafts Festival wouldn’t be the same without its namesake – the humble pomegranate. “Hundreds of cases of pomegranate jellies and syrups are made every year,” explained Worthen. “And all of it is homemade. Flavors like chipotle, cinnamon, lime coconut, habanero, and jalapeño make the different jellies interesting.”
“The weather is supposed to be almost picture-perfect this year,” said Worthen. “So, bring your families and come and enjoy the weekend at the Festival.”
Please note that the only animals allowed into the fairgrounds will be service animals.
