Fall Diddley Arts & Crafts Festival – Boone County Fairgrounds

30^th Annual Fall Diddley Craft Show was a HUGE HIT!
Always nicely done, well laid out and organized.
It is perhaps one of the cleanest & most inclusive outdoor craft shows I have ever met…
My sister’s and I happily attend this EVERY year and while it is waayy out in Belvidere… it is always worth the drive.
Its a festive way to introduce the upcoming holidays, yet another year…
This event was held Oct 11^th & 12^th (held once every year in October).
We went opening day, Saturday and arrived around 2:00pm…
Hours held: 9 – 5 on Sat. & 9 – 4 Sun.
YES, it was super crowded, but it was a gorgeous day to be outside… just perfect for walking around the outdoor tents where you will find OVER 300 VENDORS showcasing some of the most unique, hand crafted original designs… everything from pottery, jewelry, soaps, naturally scented lotions, quilts, Fall, Halloween & Christmas decorations not to mention your favorite sports team, children & baby items… to any and all things dog and cat related; treats, warmers… candles, essential oils and aromatherapy rocks. the list is endless… its a great way to pickup a «gift» or treat yourself… They can even personalize various arts…
There is an outstanding display of folk art, wood carving, dried florals, painted and appliqued clothing, fine art, small local artesian shops selling chocolates, infused vinegars, jams, sauces, etc… to local designers with hand made scarves, ponchos, sweaters… an array of beautiful wood work designs… Vendors come from all over Illinois including Chicago…
All the displays are nicely organized and «eye catchy»…there is PLENTY of room to walk in between vendors & ailes, so although it is a popular event — you will not be «mobbed» or trampled over… Everyone is so friendly here…
We have ALWAYS found something we couldn’t live without (and at times really didn’t need), because EVERTYHING is hand made or crafted — you simply cannot leave without finding something you will fall in love with… There are treasures to be found here…
Many of the vendors have business cards ready to hand out — so if you find a designer you absolutely love — many times you can order through their website or phone since they can sell out of items here rather quickly… however, they do «stock» up for this event…
The Festival also has numerous outdoor stalls to grab a «bite» while you sit at the nearby picnic tables… They have Funnel Cake stands, Kettle Corn, Cream Puffs, Cheese Curds, Kebobs, Homemade pies and coffee cakes for sale. Burgers, Dogs… something for everyone’s palette while satisfying hunger… You will see SOME kids and strollers here too — fyi.
After coming here for years, we have found you can pretty much check out NEARLY all vendors within 2 hrs (or less). There are many «repeat» vendor’s here we noticed, so it gets quicker, the more familiar you are coming here…
We never pass up the Roasted Nut stand — candied too — with a variety of Walnuts, Almonds, Cashews… Sooo good…
There is a $ 6.00 admission fee, however, ALL proceeds from shows benefit McHenry County agencies concerned with mental health services. SO, YOU ARE SUPPORTING A CAUSE!
If you have missed it this year — MARK your calendar’s for next year!
It’s a great way to spend a day, support your communities and spend money from some very TALENTED artists…