A popular summer festival returns to Amherstburg this weekend. The 59th annual Art by the River Festival kicks off Saturday morning at Fort Malden Historical Site of Canada. The two-day event is put on by the Gibson Gallery and features over 175 exhibitors, live entertainment, and a kids’ zone. Office administrator Tracy Atkinson says this year is the most exhibitors the festival has ever had. “We’re sold-out with 177 exhibitors,” says Atkinson. “We have a full weekend planned of entertainment. We have some free shuttles going from 179 Victoria Street South back and forth to Fort Malden Historical Site. She says the festival features a wide range of vendors. “There’s anything from jewellery to pottery and ceramics to leather work and woodworking and metalworking,” she says. “There are a lot of fine artists this year, and this year we have a lot of new exhibitors.” Atkinson says there is a buzz in the community for this year’s event. “The signs went up; people are calling and asking questions and sending messages over Facebook and asking questions, so yes, there is a good buzz going around,” says Atkinson. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $8 or two for $15.
