TroyFest showcases a variety of creativities

Jameson Fowler Photo

Attendees of Troy Fest broswe around jewelry and clothes at one

particular tent set up in Downtown Troy.

Jameson Fowler Photo

Students look at the displayed gemstones, crystals and rocks at this year's Troy Fest.

Filled with arts, food, and live performances, the annual TroyFest tradition took place on the last weekend of April. As a fine art and craft festival, there were booths run by local artists, numerous food trucks and stations, an entertainment stage and more available for people to pursue.

Troy Idea Bank’s Student Made Store and other Troy students had their own booths set up selling their artwork and products. The festival spanned two days and took over Downtown Troy.

“You’re going to buy things you think are interesting, but also you’re meeting new people who you’re enjoying their artwork from or getting new information with locals,” said Katie Dolihite, a senior art education major from Pace, Florida, who ran a booth with other art education majors.

“People should come to Troy Fest so that they can realize what kind of cultural activities are going on around them,” said Icie Wallace, a junior graphic design major from Sylacauga, Alabama, who also operated a booth, selling her art. “You just really get to see what people in your area are getting up to and what they’re making.

“It’s also a really great way to bolster businesses that are already here in Troy, especially around the square, or ones that operate in flea markets or antique shops. It’s just a really good day to promote your own small business and learn about people from the area.”

Some booths held handmade paintings and yard signs, while others had crochet crafts, leather work or woodwork. A large variety of arts and crafts were shown in the many booths around the square of Downtown Troy.

“I would really love for artists and other craftsmen to really see what other people are doing outside of their own craft,” Wallace said. “There are a lot of really skilled people who explore their crafts in very different ways than they might do themselves.”

Many students shared they came to the festival for the food. There were many options available, varying from typical southern classics to a multitude of sweets.

“The food trucks have very good food,” said Student Made worker Dylan Blackinton, who is a senior graphic design major with a minor in marketing from Fairhope, Alabama. “It’s good to support local artists and business, and it’s also nice to just be outside,”

The Student Art Awards were also held at noon on Saturday on the C Spire entertainment stage. Multiple performances took place, including one by Troy University’s Jazz Band.

For more information about Troy Fest, visit troyfestarts.com or follow their Instagram @troyfestartandcraftfestival.