Autumn Festival An Arts and Crafts Affair
About Us:
The inaugural Autumn Festival Arts and Crafts show was held in 1983 in Omaha, NE. Jim’s involvement with a family woodworking shop, his dad’s homebuilding business, and Donna’s background in crafts and attention to detail all inspired them to create a marketplace for artists and crafters of diverse talents.
Since that initial event and after adding Spring Festivals to their line-up, the Huffmans have organized and promoted over 275 arts and crafts shows in 12 markets throughout the Midwest. All shows are held in premier convention center facilities in major metropolitan areas. These fun and festive events draw customers from a radius of hundreds of miles away! Over 4,700,000 customers have enjoyed the shows’ 40 plus year run. With exhibitors from all over the country, the shows have become a much anticipated customer tradition.
The Spring and Autumn Festival shows have been consistently ranked in Sunshine Artist Magazine’s Top 100 Classic and Contemporary Show List! Patrons enjoy shopping the handcrafted wares for artwork, unique home décor and furniture, gifts personalized right at the shows, holiday furnishings, or baby and children’s treasures. "Customers love to support the American small businesses of our artists and crafters. They enjoy the personal connection when they meet and visit with the actual artist or craftsman."
In 2005, their oldest daughter Jennifer joined the staff, becoming the second generation Huffman to manage the company. After working for the company for 25+ years, Joyce retired in 2011 and moved to Florida. In early 2012, Summer came on board, and in 2014 Jim and Donna's youngest daughter, Nikki, joined the company, enabling Donna to retire. Jennifer, Summer, and Nikki now manage the day to day operations of the company. They bring a young, progressive element to the events, while still honoring over 41 years of history and the commitment of showcasing exhibitors' individual talents.
