Known as FAFO this is the most popular art show in Ocala as it has been going strong for 49 years! There’s every type of art category i.e.: mixed media, fiber, photography, clay, jewelry, sculpture and a lot more. Most important to the artists is that this is a juried show. There’s always awards for each category. This is also a win for us customers as 1) A good variety means multiple purchases 2) Everyone would like an art piece from a winning artist. This certainly has expanded over the years. In previous years it was held at McPherson Complex which was always nice and was on grass so it was a comfortable walk. The last 2 years now it has been held downtown over several different areas. I love that it is the only event downtown that has an entire designated handicap parking area. I don’t care for that as it is spread out over different areas and there’s a ton of walking involved. And it’s all on hot cement. Add to that fact that the entire downtown streets are closed down for 2 days and it makes for mayhem to the drivers. Other than the art vendors there are a ton of other happenings. There’s live performances of some type at 2 different stages that changes every couple of hours. If you’re hungry there’s a few food trucks parked in a designated area and the local school walks around selling bottled water that won’t break the bank. It’s always a great outing for anyone. If you’re an art lover and happen to miss it, most of the art vendors attend a similar art show in Gainesville not long after this on.
