Craft Fairs Near Me in Eclectic

The History of The Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair

The Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair was started over 55 years ago by the Pike Road Civic Club ladies. The Civic Club needed a way to raise money for their many charitable endeavors. The Fair started out with the ladies selling items from their own attics and handmade items they themselves made or crafted. The food items sold during the earlier years were peanut butter sandwiches, BBQ their husbands cooked in their backyards, vegetables they grew, picked and cooked, and baked breads, cakes, pies and later our world famous Mocha Nut Squares.  

Several years later, the Pike Road Community Club offered their services to help with the Fair and so it began a wonderful partnership between the two clubs.

Over the 55 plus years, the Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair has grown into one of the largest and oldest outdoor arts and crafts fairs in the Southeast.

About Us:

Calico Fort began as a dream by a group of local citizens whose desire was to promote our small town, to create an interest which would draw visitors, and develop an outstanding Arts and Crafts festival. A number of possible themes were considered but, considering our historical background, Calico Fort was selected.

A life long resident of Fort Deposit wrote the poem Calico Capers in anticipation of its success.

One of the local citizens volunteered the use of a pine thicket on her property for the show. And the work began, everyone was invited to help clear the brier bushes, the kudzu vines, limbs, pine cones and debris. A fence, reminiscent of an old fort and an Indian teepee were constructed, along with an assortment of rustic buildings to be used for the food concessions and even some exhibitors.


155 exhibitors accepted our invitation to be part of the first Calico Fort on April 8 and 9, 1972. An estimated 5000 visitors responded with enthusiasm to the invitation to enjoy an old time country fair complete with demonstrations and illustrations to amuse visitors, whether a toddler, teen or old time fair lover.

The first show included a variety of arts, handmade crafts and antiques. Demonstrations delighting the fair-goers included a glass blower and a weaver who operated her loom. Ceramics, candles and jewelry were made on the spot and portraits were sketched for those who were just a little patient.

Cottonail's Village Festival is a division of Christmas Village Festival and brings families and friends together to celebrate spring. Featuring over 200 booths, vendors from all across the United States offer a variety of gifts including arts, crafts, clothing, food and jewelry. The BJCC and Birmingham welcome shoppers over the 3-day long show.

The NAC (North Arts Council) hosts annual Spring and Christmas craft shows located at the Gardendale.