Show Review of the Month Butternut Creek Festival

February 2025, by Sunshine Artist Editor

Butternut Creek Festival 
Location: Blairsville, GA 
Dates: July 20-21, 2024 
Contact: High Country Artisans, Inc. 
Website: www.butternutcreekfestival.com 
Email: butternutcreekfestival@gmail.com 
Phone: 706-781-1221 
Venue: 100% outdoors 
Space fees: $125 to $250 
Exhibitors: 85 
Attendance estimate: 10,000 to 12,000 

COMPILED FROM FASTAUDIT REVIEWS 

The Butternut Creek Festival ranked CC26 in 2024’s 200 Best list. All the artists who reviewed 2024’s show said they would participate again. 

One art glass artist reported sales of $1,200. “They are great! The show is the best,” said this artist. 

A wood artist who made close to $1,900 said it is a well-run show, with good sales. “Weather had an effect on attendance, the show was good,” the artist said. “The organizers made sure the park was cleaned up from the early storm. I would definitely participate again — very vendor friendly.” 

It was also an enjoyable experience for an artist whose mediums are mixed media and drawing. This artist had $600 in sales. 

Another exhibitor made $2,700 and would participate again due to the great exposure. 

An artist whose mediums are mixed media and painting described it as a well-organized show, with lots of foot traffic. The artist’s sales totaled $1,200.

SHOW PROMOTER’S SELF‑REVIEW 

Helena Grossman said the annual Butternut Creek Festival had another successful year. “The vendors chosen to participate in this year’s show were exceptional, and we had a wide-ranging selection of arts and crafts for our attendees to choose from,” she said. “This show has been a local favorite for many years, but we also attract people from other surrounding states.” 

She is the secretary of High Country Artisans, Inc., which is the festival’s promoter. Grossman estimated attendance at 10,000 to 12,000 and noted there was heavy rain on Sunday morning. 

What Artists Said 

Grossman said they survey vendors each year and received positive feedback. “They feel the show is well-run, and they would not recommend any changes,” she said. “Sales may have been down slightly due to inclement weather.” 

What the Promoter Learned 

Most vendors were incredibly happy with the show, Grossman said. However, they did receive requests for more trash receptacles beyond the food venues. “We will work with the Park Recreation Department to make sure that is done. We will also alter some of our booth locations to avoid pathway flooding in the future,” she said. 

Their Best Improvement 

Grossman said their best improvement was having an ATM available for attendees this year. “Our county is also working on improving Wi-Fi. This will facilitate the ease in processing credit card sales,” she said. 

Her message to those considering this festival is, “This is a juried show done by blind ballot. We ask for three pictures of the art or craft the vendor is submitting. We also use these photos to promote the show. Submitting pictures that do not properly display a vendor’s art/craft can definitely affect a juror’s decision on having the vendor participate.”