If you're like me, you can't keep away from the home decor sections of Target, Ross and any other store with throw pillows, candles and funky paintings. So when I heard of the Tempe Festival of the Arts, which took place this weekend, there was no question of my afternoon whereabouts.
Apparently I'm not alone in this obsessive passion. Thousands of people strolled through the streets of downtown Tempe Saturday admiring or not admiring all types of art.
Whatever your liking is, there was most certainly a match on Mill Avenue throughout the weekend. After all, everyone likes cinnamon glazed almonds and kettle corn, right? And how about washing those delicious aperitifs down with some gland-puckering lemonade? These are the things I live for. These are the things that make the Tempe Festival of the Arts so irresistible.
Removing my MasterCard prior to the venture down to Mill was probably the smartest decision I've made all semester. I'm still thinking of that pumpkin-orange centerpiece that caught my attention at one of the ceramics tents. With a quick flip to see the $300 price tag on its bottom, I was glad my plastic friend had stayed home for the day.
Not every item had a risky price tag, which was a good thing for the demographics of those closest to the festival's location (the ASU community).
Kate Hastings, vice president of downtown Tempe's marketing and business development, said she thinks the diversity of the art at the festival attracts students.
"The festival has everything from funky and affordable art to more expensive, collectible artwork," Hastings said.
Hastings said she personally noticed many college-age people attending the festival.
"It's a great scene, there's a lot happening and a lot of things to look at, from art to street entertainment. It's a place where there is a lot of energy going on," Hastings said.
Dogs that I mistook for squirrels tiptoed around with their owners, assisting in major design decisions, I'm sure. One squirrel-dog enjoyed a luxurious ride in a baby stroller that he seemed to have taken over. I am still wondering where the baby ended up.
Hillbilly Willy seemed to be a crowd favorite. The street entertainer was there juggling machetes and torches blazing with fire, all while cracking -- you guessed it -- hillbilly jokes. These were just a few of the great sights I smiled upon.
The festival was a perk for nearly everyone involved, especially the Mill Avenue businesses. Retail stores like Z Gallerie and Divaz Boutique were swarmed with casual shoppers.
Aaryn Green, store manager of Z Gallerie, said the festival helped bring business to the store.
"We've definitely seen an influx of foot traffic in the store today, and an influx of small ticket sales as well," she said.
Uno's Chicago Grill, The Library and Gordon Biersch were also reaping the benefit of a significant increase in people on Mill Avenue. A 30-minute wait was prevalent nearly everywhere.
After I was certain that I at least glanced into every tent, I surrendered myself to the populated balcony of Gordon Biersch. To put the icing on the cake, as they say, I blissfully sipped two raspberry iced teas and devoured a spinach, artichoke and pesto pizza. What a day!
Sara Sturges is a journalism senior. Send her a scented candle and she'll be your best friend, or write to her at ssturges@imap2.asu.edu.
