The end of May in the Tristate usually generates thoughts of heat, humidity and Summerfair.
This weekend, artists from 30 states and Canada occupy booths that stretchacross Coney Island. Competition to exhibit their art at the annual fair is fierce: Of 830 applicants this year, only 300 were chosen to participate.
"Summerfair is one of the few local venues you have to compete against other really good artists," said Mary Mark, an artist from New Richmond. "This gives you a chance to put your art against people from all over the country. "
Organizers estimated that Friday's opening drew 3,500 spectators, which surprised Kevin Reynolds, who heads the event.
"We're seeing more and more people coming to this, which makes us happy," he said. "They're closing parking lots and opening up other gates, so that can't be a bad thing."
Organizers say they expect more than 67,000 people to attend this year's festival. Last year, rainy weather hindered attendance, and the total crowd was estimated at fewer than 40,000 people.
IF YOU GO
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Summerfair continues today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, and children 12 and younger are admitted free.
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Nearly $50,000 raised from ticket sales is earmarked for grants for Tristate artists and for college scholarships for Cincinnati-area art students.
One of the several children's exhibits lets kids draw a design and put it on a T-shirt.
"This gives us something to do together as a family," said Donna Calhoun, a mother of three and Cincinnati resident ."I come here now, and this is my favorite spot, because I can spend time with the kids.
"Plus, when I want to go look at the booths, I can tell them, "Hey, it's my turn,' " Ms. Calhoun said.
