TroyFest Brings Artists & More to Downtown Troy Last Weekend of April

TroyFest in Downtown Troy Starts April 27

Every year nestled between Easter and Mother's Day, there's a weekend that brings people from all over the southeast to downtown Troy to see which artists have been invited to showcase their artwork at the annual TroyFest Art & Craft Festival. A festival that has rich history as the previous Jean Lake Folk Art Festival, the essence of the folk art is still evident among many of the exhibitors each year. The downtown square is peppered with tents and displays of artwork ranging from pottery, jewelry, folk art, painting, photography, functional craft and glasswork.

"The Jean Lake Festival, and now TroyFest, has been a part of Adams' Glass Studio for as long as I can remember," recalls David Adams, owner of Adams' Glass Studio. "We participate in festivals all over the southeast, but it's wonderful to be able to join the other talented artists to exhibit in our hometown. TroyFest draws some of the best artists, and we have made incredible friendships over the years."

TroyFest is held each year on the last Saturday and Sunday in April with the festival opening on both days. Festival goers enjoy great artwork, but also great food and entertainment at the festival. The aroma of festival food favorites from the food vendors paired with the downtown restaurants keep festival goers downtown for the whole day enjoying art and fellowship.

"We see people travel for hours and meet friends just to enjoy a day at this festival each year. It always amazes me at the camaraderie and community this weekend provides for both visitors and residents of our great town." said Shelia Jackson, director of public relations and tourism for the city of Troy.

The festival awards more than $10,000 in artist awards and scholarships which encourages high quality artists to apply for the festival each year. After the jury selection, artists are extended an invitation in one of the art categories and they begin their preparations to exhibit at the show. The festival is planned by a group of volunteers and the festival is supported by the city of Troy, the Troy Arts Council, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and generous local businesses. The community support of the festival adds a unique flair to the energy and vitality of the on-going festival.

"We pride ourselves on being an artist-centered show where we extend the highest level of southern hospitality to our participants. Our artists are like family to us and we look forward to seeing our returning artists each year and welcoming new artists to our TroyFest family." said Rob Drinkard, chair of TroyFest.

This year's festival will be held on April 27 and April 28,2024. The festival will open from 9AM until 5PM on Saturday and 10AM until 4PM on Sunday. An artist list and entertainment schedule can be found on Facebook or at www.troyfestarts.com.