ARRF Fair Time

Spring has sprung and so have the annual art festivals. These gatherings pop up like spring dandelions in parking lots, on main streets, in city parks and on church side yards.

Some fairs attract artists from only within the area while others draw (yes, pun) painters and potters from around the nation. Strolling through these collections of weird and wonderful art are the patrons. Some are lovers of art and others, many men, are there to escape an afternoon of yard work and perhaps score a beer while trailing their significant other.

This seemingly pastoral task is not without its perils, mostly from those humans who feel compelled to tow along their dog. Now Cutest and I harbor a canine so we have love for these four legged companions - yet responsibility of the action of pets falls on the shoulders of the owners.

Each year the Brookside Art Fair christens the city-wide art show season during the first weekend of May. Some dog owners must salivate greatly while getting their puppies, some classified as miniature horses, leashed and ready to mingle with humans and other dogs.

To be fair, most all pets are on leash, some with muzzles, and most have had experience being in crowds.  But as they say, it only takes one bad apple to ruin the basket. Friday, a long haired dachshund decided to exercise his lungs at all passerbys, human or canine. An inferiority complex would have been my diagnosis.

Unapproving stares were aimed at the owner while the dachshund continued his unabated barking. Finally, having taken notice of the crowd’s dislike of his pet’s actions, the dachshund’s owner took the walk of shame, past the artists' tents and to his parked car, during which time the dog never ceased yapping.

However, not only do dogs provide distractions but today’s baby barges add yet another. Barges, or strollers if you prefer, carry in them most every thing but babies and toddlers. Coolers,  blankets, toys, wine, beer, dogs and occasionally babies.

The best time to attend an art fair is on a day of bad weather. Rain of course, along with clouds and a stiff  breeze help to keep the crowd numbers low with most dogs and baby carriages staying home. Of course, this is not helpful to the artists. But after the trauma :) of the art fair, we enjoyed a lovely, restful dinner at Bella Napoli, just down the street.

Kansas City’s grand fall art festival, the Plaza’s, is still nearly four months away. But you can bet that dog owners are testing their pet’s leash strength and stroller daddies are seeking more cubby holes to hide their beer. Let the festivities continue!

P.S.  Other fairs are coming up soon for you to enjoy:  Lenexa Art Fair (May 10), Prairie Village Art Show (May 30-June 1), The 45th Annual Art Westport (September 5-7) and the Plaza Art Fair/Party (September 19-21). Art fairs are always fun, even with babies and dogs. Calendar one or four of them now.