War Eagle Fair: 66 years of handmade art

Cole Seal is serious about safeguarding the vision of one of the largest and oldest craft fairs in the country, the War Eage Fair. And there’s a reason for that, beyond her role as social media director for the fair.Cole’s great grandmother, Blanche Eliott, first dreamed up the idea for the fair in 1954. Blanche was an extension agent who was inspired, after taking a week-long weaving seminar, to find a way for local artists and crafters to display their creations. The first fair was held in the living rooms of a few local women along with the Elliot home and farm in the War Eagle River Valley. It was a beautiful backdrop for the event, in the fall, when the foliage of the Ozarks was at its most colorful peak.

“My great-grandmother’s vision to provide a space for artists and crafters to display their handcrafted wares is very important to us,” Cole points out. “We work hard to maintain that vision and legacy.”

That first fair was attended by 2,259 people, who arrived via unpaved roads to see hand-woven rugs, leather craft, pottery, baskets, quilts and jewelry made by artisans of the Ozarks.

The tradition has continued for 66 years and the fair has grown in size and scope—attendance at this year’s fair will exceed 100,000— while retaining the original spirit of the fair.

“The War Eagle Fair is one of the largest events in the country that allows only handmade items to be displayed and sold, and we are very proud and protective of that reputation,” Cole says.

Although artists and crafters may now come from beyond the Ozarks, the strict “only handmade” requirement remains.

The exhibitors have new and exciting creations every year, including fabric arts, leather craft, ceramics, baskets, quilts, jewelry, folk art and much more. With more than 250 booths in a beautiful setting near the banks of the War Eagle River, visitors can easily spend the day browsing for oneof-a-kind items.

The event is free and parking is $5. Thursday and Saturday are the busiest days. For directions and more information, visit wareaglefair.com

War Eagle Fair

Thursday Oct. 17 – Sunday Oct. 20 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday 11037 High Sky Inn Road, Hindsville, AR