The organizers of the Sunnyside arts fair set up tents inside a parking lot on 43rd Street, between Skillman and 43rd Avenues, where artists displayed their works (Photo: Sunnyside Artists)
Nov. 16, 2021 By Christian Murray
The annual Sunnyside arts fair took place outdoors Saturday but was brought to an abrupt end when a storm hit in the early afternoon and upended many of the tents.
The event, which was held in a parking lot on 43rd Street between 43rd Avenue and Skillman Avenue, began at 9:30 a.m. and artists were selling their wares inside several tents before the storm arrived at about 2:30 p.m. bring with it hail, rain and wind.
There were no injuries, although many of the tents were damaged and the artists and attendees were forced to make a hasty exit.
The event, officially called the Sunnyside Artists Crafts and Arts Fair, was well attended up until the time it ended, according to organizers Patricia Dorfman and Manny Gomez.
“We had 700 plus guests until the wrath of Neptune arrived,” Dorfman, the founder of Sunnyside Artists, said.
The Sunnyside Artists Crafts and Arts Fair was held on 43rd Street Saturday (Photo: Courtesy of Sunnyside Artists)
The popular event, which is in its 14th year, featured more than 30 artists who presented works for sale including handmade jewelry, soaps, organic scents, photography, pottery and accessories. Many of the artists are local residents, and the fair provides them with an opportunity to showcase their works and bring in money.
The fair is typically held indoors at the Queen of Angels Church Parish Hall. However, with COVID-19, it was held outdoors.
The fair featured a number of raffles. The prizes included wines and liquors, gift certificates from local stores, Thanksgiving turkeys, Polish treats and even a squawking rubber chicken key ring.
The prizes also included a lunch with Assemblymember Brian Barnwell, or a lunch with Council Member Elect Julie Won.
The raffles brought in approximately $700, and $150 was raised via a 50/50.
Pastor Brian Dowd of Queens of Angels is expected to draw the winners this week.
Michael Gurrado displays his work at the fair Saturday (Photo: Courtesy of Sunnyside Artists)
Dolores Corcuera displays her work (Photo: Courtesy of Sunnyside Artists)
The raffle prizes on offer included a lunch with Assembly Member Brian Barnwell or a lunch with Council Member Elect Julie Won (Photo: Courtesy of Sunnyside Artists)
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