Return of Elsah Festival draws big crowd
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Village of Elsah resident and event organizer Julie Connoyer said Elsah Festival is a great chance for people to see the beauty of the area. “It’s a quaint beautiful village. We have a lot to offer.” (Steven Spencer/Calhoun News-Herald)
After having to cancel the Elsah Festival the last few years, event organizers said it was great to bring some vibrancy into the village. (Steven Spencer/Calhoun News-Herald)
Elsah Festival featured several local vendors and artists as well as musicians throughout the day including Jay Sabo, Evan Ghislin and Justin Young. (Steven Spencer/Calhoun News-Herald)
By Steven Spencer
The Elsah Festival returned last weekend, giving people an opportunity to see what all the Village of Elsah has to offer.
With over 30 local vendors, artists and musicians, the event was a perfect chance to stroll through Elsah and meet the people who call it home.
“We want people to come here and experience what we get to experience every day,” Julie Connoyer, event organizer and owner of Peace Works said. “It’s a quaint beautiful village. We have a lot to offer. It’s something you might think of from a Norman Rockwell painting.”
Visitors were able to tour some of the historic buildings and scenic wetlands to see firsthand what makes it feel so “Rockwell-esque.” Several buildings constructed in the 1800s were open for tours including the Riverview House which was built in 1847, the Farley Music Hall built in 1885 and the schoolhouse which was built in 1857.
All of the local businesses were open The Ice House, Peace Works, Green Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast, the Elsah General Store, the Maple Leaf Cottage Inn and The Look Factory.
The day also featured several local musicians throughout the day including Justin Young, Jay Sabo and Evan Ghislin as well as an art show featuring work from Hope Ottwell, Yvonne Mossman, Andy Dykeman, Jen Dykeman and Mark Regester.
“The event has been successful so far,” Connoyer said. “It’s exciting to bring some vibrancy into the village.”
