Delray Affair turns 61, features works by 400 artists, crafters, plus food, live music
Yes, last year was the 60th and it was a big deal, but now it's the 61st and it's an even bigger deal!
So let's celebrate the past, embrace the future and party in the present with arts, crafts, food, drink and music at the 61st Annual Delray Affair this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Held once again in beautiful Delray Beach, this event, nicknamed the "Greatest Show under the Sun," will feature over 400 artists and crafters.
Stretching 10 city blocks along Atlantic Avenue, those crafters and artisans have come from all over the United States with pieces of art in mediums including acrylic, pastel, pencil, photography and more.
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Walking, checking out beautiful works, amazing crafts and funky products can work up a powerful appetite.
If you're hungry at the event (and even if you're not), prepare to be happy.
Along the first block of North Swinton Avenue just off Atlantic Avenue, there will nearly a dozen vendors ready to meet those appetites head-on with one culinary delight after another.
There will be brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches from Smoker 61 BBQ; jerk chicken, pork and veggie rice bowls from Catering CC; grilled chicken kabobs, smoked turkey legs, kielbasa sandwiches from A Taste of Africa; empanadas from A Kitchen; roasted sweet corn, turkey legs and kabobs from Tiffany's Gourmet Roasted; burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, buffalo chicken and pickle chips from Genoa Italian Concession; Caribbean delights including conch fritters, cracked conch, pigeon peas and rice from Delray Beach Marching Band and National Church of God.
There will also be sweet treats liked baked cinnamon sticks, bread pudding and apple beignets from Paris Festival Foods and gourmet ice cream and Italian ices from Uncle Louie G's.
If you need a beverage, check out the Old School Square Beer Garden, where they will serving Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois and hard seltzers.
In addition to artwork, crafts, funky products, food and beverages, the event will feature great music as well.
Various musical acts will be playing at the Old School Square Beer Garden Stage every day.
On Friday, Adam Fine will play two sets. The first will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the second from 3 to 6 p.m.
Saturday will feature two acts. Carey Peak, with his fun mix of rock and more, will play 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then Jason Colannino will take the stage from 3 to 6 p.m. Colannino will be bringing plenty of covers by some of the greatest artists of the 1970s, including James Taylor, Paul Simon, Harry Chapin and more. He will also crank out some originals as well as a few Hawaiian songs.
On Sunday, April 16, there will be the Avenue Church and Worship Service from 8:45 to 10 a.m.
Jazz, pop and soul singer Melina Soochan will take the stage from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.; the Taylor Road Band will follow, from 2:15 to 5 p.m.
61st Annual Delray Affair Parking
There is metered street parking and the city will allow motorists to extend their park time indefinitely using Park Mobile.
There will also be five stories of parking at the Delray Market Garage at 33 SE Third Ave. as well as at iPic Movie Theater at 25 SE Fourth Ave. The Park Mobile app can be used for both locations.
There will be $5 all day parking at the Old School Square Parking Garage at 140 NE First St., Federspiel Garage at 22 SE First Ave. and the County Courthouse Garage at 100 W. Atlantic Ave.
$10 parking will be available at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 188 S. Swinton Ave..
Wherever patrons park they can get a lift to the festivities via golf cart using the FREEBEE app.
If you're arriving from out of the area via Tri-Rail at the Delray Beach station at 345 S. Congress Ave., there are shuttles to take you directly to the event.
If you're coming from out of the area and driving, you can park in the Delray Beach Tri-Rail Station lot for free and catch the shuttle to the event.
61st Annual Delray Affair
What: A three-day fest that stretches 10 city blocks
Where: Atlantic Avenue, downtown Delray Beach
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 16
Cost: free
Information: delrayaffair.com
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He has lived in the West Palm Beach area for more than 30 years and, from mild to wild, will cover noteworthy community happenings. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Delray Affair art festival Delray Beach: Parking, all info you need
