27 Aug Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival features juried art show, music, food in historic castle Once again, Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® will come alive with handmade artwork, live music, and local cuisine. More than 100 artists and craftsmen are expected to exhibit their work outside, in the castle’s courtyard, and inside the castle’s rooms at the 49th annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, set for Sept. 27-29 at the state park in Murrells Inlet. The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival will be held Sept. 27-29 at Huntington Beach State Park. (Photo courtesy of SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism) “The Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival is one of the largest and oldest festivals of its kind,” said Mike Walker, an interpretive ranger at Huntington Beach State Park. “With incredible diversity and variety of both art and artists, only the best of the best is featured during this juried art show.” The three-day festival, which will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, is hosted in Atalaya, the former home of New York philanthropist Archer Huntington and his wife, artist Anna Hyatt Huntington. They built their Moorish-style winter home during the Great Depression, with a maze of rooms surrounding a water tower, a lush courtyard lined with palmetto trees and adjacent to a spacious sculpture studio. “This spectacular setting — the Atalaya Castle, a National Historic Landmark — has to be seen to be believed,” Walker said. “And as the former residence of a world-renowned artist, Anna Hyatt Huntington, it is a very fitting site for such a festival.” Visitors will also be treated to live music performed by accomplished local musicians on a stage in the courtyard, as well as a food court with seafood, barbecue, and other culinary delights. “Come for the arts and crafts, stay for the entertainment, food, and scenic beauty,” Walker said. “Live musical performances and a variety of food trucks and vendors offering local delicacies will be featured.” SC State Park Service Sales & Marketing Manager Gwen Davenport said that the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival is an event people should not miss. “I love the variety of arts and crafts and the quality of the arts and crafts on display,” she said. “I also love that we hold this festival in the former home of artist Anna Hyatt Huntington. Not only do you get to come to an art show, you get to explore the castle and home of the Huntingtons.” Musical entertainment will be: Friday, Sept. 27 12 to 1 p.m. — Austin Perry 2 to 5 p.m. — Owen Reeves Trio The festival features live music by accomplished musicians. (Photo courtesy of SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism) Saturday, Sept. 28 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Jeremiah Reyes 2 to 5 p.m. — Finnegan Bell Sunday, Sept. 29 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Fair Trade 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Mark McKinney & Co. Food vendors are: A Coffee Movement Surf Dawgs (hotdogs & burgers) Rocco’s Tacos (tacos & Mexican food) Fish Shack (fried fish) Let’s Ride BBQ Caribbean Jerk Chicken Dixieland Kettle Corn Lemons & Dough (lemonade & doughnuts) Jupiter Pies (pies, cookies & bread) Located along U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park offers tens of thousands of visitors every year a chance to enjoy one of the most pristine beaches on South Carolina coast. The 2,500-acre park’s freshwater lagoon, salt marsh and maritime forest are outstanding examples of the state’s natural coastal environment, and the park is widely regarded as one of the best birding sites along the East Coast. Its natural history is highlighted in the park’s Environmental Education Center. South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® is located between Myrtle Beach to the north and Charleston to the south and is made up of the beach communities of southern Garden City, Huntington Beach, Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, and DeBordieu Colony near Georgetown. Huntington Beach State Park is one of the Hammock Coast’s top attractions. Daily admission for the festival is $10 per adult (age 16 and older). Admission may be purchased at the festival gate in the park. Dogs and pets of any kind are not permitted through the festival gates. Please also note that stroller and wheelchair access can be difficult due to uneven surfaces, stairs, crowds, and narrow hallways. While most of the artists will display their work in the castle’s courtyard, there will also be some displaying work inside the castle’s rooms. (Photo courtesy of SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism) “This is a very professional show with artisans and craftspeople from all over – not just the local area or South Carolina for that matter,” Davenport said. “Come shop and look around and your ticket will get you in for the entire weekend –in case you need to see if a certain piece of artwork will fit in that special place in your home.” For more information call South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism at 803-734-0767, or Huntington Beach State Park at 843-237-4440. Or visit the festival’s website. By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® Want to learn more about South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®, check out these stories: • 5 reasons you will love a fall trip to the Hammock Coast • Where do you go for the best ‘Fall Beach Destination’? Right here on the Hammock Coast! • Let’s Take a Thrilling Walk Through History on the Hammock Coast • Golf on the Hammock Coast, state earns worldwide recognition 0 Hammock-All, Litchfield, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island
