Checklist for SUNDAY'S GO WEST! Craft Fest

Sunday is almost here and we can't wait! Everyone is so excited for what will be an excellent day of local, handmade shopping. So far the weather looks nice and sunny so plan to shop both indoor and outdoor vendors, For this holiday event we've really tried to have a little something handmade for everyone on your list.

Don't forget to bring your:

Tokens - The Rotunda is a short walk from the L, the 40th St trolley hub and on the 21 and 42 bus line. If you are going by car there's metered parking on Walnut St, and a pay Parking Garage across. Free parking can be a little tricky in that neighborhood, but not impossible!

Cash - While many of our vendors accept credit cards, not all do. Did you know when you pay by credit card to a small business they're losing valuable dollars per transaction to a huge credit card company...? We're happy to take your cards, but we like cash much, much better!

Your Holiday Shopping List - We bet you won't go away empty handed!

A Babywearing Device - Last year people were glad they did! It's easy to park your stroller outside though. 

Friends -  chances are you'll run into someone you know, but it's nice to bring some friends along and make a day of it!

Your Sweet Tooth - With sweets and gift items from Weckerleys Ice Cream and The Lil Pop Shop  you won't go away hungry. 

Just like last year we'll have select vendors outside and upstairs in the balcony. More shopping for you and the chance to see the space in a different light.

Can't wait to see you all there! Stop by Emily from VIX Emporium and Wilder from As the Crow Flies & Co's tables, right as you walk in to say Hi.

Mark Your Calendars, SUNDAY, December 14th!

Our vendor confirmations have gone out and the vendor list for Go West's Holiday Fest at the Rotunda will be up in the next week is here! Thank you to everyone who applied! We're excited to have an amazing group, many West Philly locals.

Now mark your calendars for SUNDAY, December 14th! 

Save the Date - Sunday, December 14 ~holiday edition~

Applications are open for the

 

GO WEST! Craft Fest  

~Holiday Edition~

at The Rotunda

From 11-5 

 SUNDAY, December 14th

 

Shop for fabulous holiday gifts made by our very own Philly artists and crafters. Mark your calendars and stay tuned!

Apply Here for GWCF Holiday Edition

 

 

 

Thank You!!

Though it's never ideal to reschedule an event at the last minute, moving the Craft Fest to the Rain Date turned out to be a wonderful idea! Saturday was wet and miserable while Sunday brought perfect sunshine and balmy breezes, along with a great crowd of attendees. Thanks so much to everyone participtated, played music, shopped or just enjoyed that lovely day at the Woodlands with us! We can't wait to do it again in the Spring!

In the meantime, the Holiday edition of Go West! Craft Fest is returning to the Rotunda on SUNDAY, December 14th. Vendor applications will open very soon so stay tuned!

Postponed till Sunday!

We have postponed the Fest until tomorrow, Sunday due to rainy situations. Come join us same time 11-5, tomorrow Sunday, Sept 14th! The weather promises to be beautiful, hope to see you at The Woodlands.

Checklist for GO WEST! Craft Fest

We are getting so excited for this Saturday's Go West Craft Fest at the Woodlands! Over 120 local vendors will be there to show their creative work, plus great food and music in one of Philadelphia's most naturally beautiful and historic sites. The weather for Saturday look ok so far but we will update here Saturday morning if we must use our rain date for Sunday.

Here are some tips to make the most of your visit...

• SEPTA tokens. The Fest is right across from the 40th Street trolley portal, served by the 12, 13, 34 and 36 trolleys. Hop on any westbound "Green Line" subway/surface car from Center City (EXCEPT the 10) and arrive in minutes. There will be once again NO visitor parking inside The Woodlands however plenty of parking on the street and surrounding neighborhood. This makes for an enjoyable family friendly atmosphere for all.
• Comfortable shoes. While the Fest is conveniently close to the entrance, visitors may choose to explore farther into the 54-acre grounds. Featuring the Hamilton Mansion, a grand example of 18th century neoclassical architecture.William Hamilton, an avid botanist, collected and planted dozens of various trees on the estate, many of which are now some of our nation's oldest and largest specimens, thriving among the monuments for over 30 thousand eternal Philadelphians. Stroll the winding paths and see for yourself. There will be tours of the landscape, check in with The Woodlands table at the front entrance.
• Your Gift List. Our talented vendors make a huge variety of products, like jewelry, clothing, accessories, fine art, cards, toys, candles, teas and more. Keep in mind your loved ones' birthdays, weddings, and of course it's never too early to start Holiday Shopping. Your unique GO WEST! gift will be fondly remembered because it was made with love and care by a local artisan.
• A Tote Bag, to carry all of your new-found treasures. If you forget, several vendors offer unique eco-friendly shopping bags, like these. 
• Cash. Although some of our vendors do accept credit cards, not all do and there is a good chance that the irresistible treasure you discovered may not be seen again (even at VIX).  Also did you know when you pay by credit card to a small business they’re losing valuable dollars per transaction to a huge credit card company? We’re happy to take  your cards, but we like cash much better. The closest ATM is at Mill Creek Tavern, 4200 Chester Avenue.
• A Blanket for a Picnic Lunch . The Woodlands is a perfect place for a picnic, Black Orchid will have vegan sandwiches and mac & cheese for the kids, Taco Angeleno will have all manner of Mexican style tacos, Aksum will feature middle eastern goodies & The Satellite Café will be there for all of your coffee needs.  
• Your Sweet Tooth, with gourmet popsicles from the Lil Pop Shop and Weckerleys Ice Cream it will be hard not to resist something, not to mention vegan treats from The Satellite Cafe!
• Children, who will have tons of fun singing and playing music with  Ann from the Green Tambourine. They'll be mesmerized by fancy juggling tricks and hula hoopers and do free arts and crafts courtesy of the UC Arts League & The Philly Free School. 
• Sunscreen & a Jacket. Weather forecasts are looking promising but a little uncertain, so be ready for anything the springtime might bring. If the morning is clear, the show will go on!
• A Spooky or Fall Themed Book, for the All Hallow's Read book drive, you'll get a different one back if come to the book hunt on October 26th.
• Your senses of curiosity, creativity and wonder, and enough time to experience the day. Here's the musical line up:                                                                                                                      

12 pm: The Green Tambourine - children's musical instruction 
1 pm: Julian Root & friends - traditional roots/bluegrass/Americana 
2 pm: Silverton - uncompromisingly positive folk rock 
3 pm: All Around This World - international children's music with Jay Sand 
4 pm: Shakey Lyman - blues legend

With a little luck regarding the weather, Saturday promises to be a great day to GO WEST. We hope to see you there!

Getting ready and Save the Date!

Mark your calendars and save the date for our Holiday Craft Fest SUNDAY, December 14 at The Rotunda. Applications will be up in the coming weeks for the Holiday Fest so crafters, check back.

Before that though, we're getting ready for a fabulous Fall Go West! Craft Fest in just over 2 weeks. We have so many amazing vendors, great music and of course what could be better than hanging out at The Woodlands for the day!

Fall Vendor list is here!

Fall is coming up soon and we're getting pretty excited about the change of seasons and Go West! Craft Fest on Saturday, Sept 13th. We have a great group of 100 vendors this fall, lots of new folks along with all your old favorites. Check them out on the Vendor List. Of course there will be live entertainment for kids and adults, kids crafts and delicious food.

Like our facebook page for news and updates and tell all your friends about it there too on the invite.

Apply Now For the September Show!

Vendors may apply now through July 25 for the Fall 2014 Go West Craft Fest, September 13, 11-5 at the Woodlands, 40th & Woodland in West Philadelphia. We are looking forward to our 6th outdoor show at the Woodlands, featuring original local crafts, food from local eateries, children's activities, and live music.

Click here for more information & the vendor application.

Thank you!

We couldn't have asked for a better day at our Spring Fest. Pictures from the event are here (with a few more to come)  and on our facebook page, feel free to use them. A huge thanks to all of our amazing vendors, artists and musicians who made the day fabulous. Thanks also to The Woodlands for being the perfect host and to GRID Magazine for the wonderful article about the show.  The vendor list will continue to stay up throughout the summer and most vendors have websites and online shops.

We're just finalizing a date for our Fall Fest. Vendor will be able to apply mid July.  We're excited for a little summer break, and will see you back in the Fall!

Last-Minute Changes

Despite our best efforts, there are a few corrections to the map published in GRID a few weeks ago. Check out the changes and don't miss any of your favorite vendors tomorrow!

Click to enlarge.

Apologies to Anna Benjamin, Shecre8s, Masters Of None, Elannie Bijoux, Philly Loves Lacquer and Weckerly's. Have a great show!

Get Ready for Go West Craft Fest!

We are getting so excited for this Saturday's Go West Craft Fest at the Woodlands! Over 120 local vendors will be there to show their creative work, plus great food, music and acrobatic performances, in one of Philadelphia's most naturally beautiful and historic sites. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit...

Grab a GRID.

The current issue of GRID magazine, Philadelphia's sustainability guide, contains a comprehensive guide to the event, including a map of vendors, activity schedule and features on the Woodlands and selected vendors and entertainers. The 16-page guide is found in the center of every May 2014 issue. Pick up a FREE copy at any of 400 locations around the region, or view the show guide online. You can also stop by GRID's table at the Fest, near the main entrance. Thanks so much to the wonderful folks at GRID for covering the event so thoroughly, and to all of the local advertisers who supported the publication!

Plan your trip.

We recommend taking the trolley to Go West, as the 40th Street trolley portal is directly across from the event. Take any "green line" trolley (EXCEPT THE 10) from Center City or University City and get out at 40th Street, the first stop above ground. The trolley is a free interchange from the Market-Frankford or Broad Street lines at City Hall, and is easily accessible from 30th Street Station.

If you will be driving in, please note that unlike in previous years, there will be NO visitor parking in the grounds of the Woodlands. However, the lovely folks at University of the Sciences have agreed to open up one of their parking lots to our guests. The lot is located at 42nd & Woodland, as shown in the upper left corner of this map:

 

There is no fee to park in this lot, though it is first come first serve. Nearby unmetered street parking is also available.

Bring the essentials.

• Cash. While many vendors do accept credit cards, not all do, and in any case, they can be expensive to process. That perfect piece you find might be available for cash only, so be prepared!
• Your Shopping List. With Mother's Day, Father's Day and wedding season on the horizon, chances are good that a special, handmade gift will soon come in handy, so keep your loved ones in mind as you peruse the goods.
• Sunscreen & a Jacket. Weather forecasts are looking promising but a little uncertain, so be ready for anything the springtime might bring. If the morning is clear, the show will go on!
• A Picnic Blanket (and an appetite!) There will be food to satisfy any palate, but there is no outdoor seating at the Woodlands. A picnic blanket or spread is the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely lunch at Go West. (And please, properly dispose of trash.)
• A Tote Bag, to carry all of your new-found treasures. If you forget, several vendors offer unique eco-friendly shopping bags, like these.
• Friends and Children. There is something to delight visitors of all ages, including the very young. Jay Sand and the Green Tambourine will play kid-oriented music, local schools and arts organizations will offer free kids' crafts, and jugglers and acrobats will perform eye-popping feats of skill. All performances are free, family-friendly and open to the public.
• Your Appreciation for Nature. The Woodlands is a true urban oasis, a 54-acre green space in the middle of the city. It is home to wildlife like deer and foxes, as well as countless trees, many of which will be in their peak flowering season. Some of the Woodlands' trees are even historically significant, having been collected by the 18th century estate's owner, botanist William Hamilton.

Schedule your day.

Besides the more than 120 craft vendors, food, musical and acrobatic performances, the Woodlands will offer tours of the grounds at noon and 2pm. This season's tour will highlight painter Thomas Eakins and many of his portrait subjects, all of whom are buried at the Woodlands. Check the schedule in GRID and decide what your day's must-see attractions are.

With a little luck regarding the weather, Saturday promises to be a great day to GO WEST. We hope to see you there!

The GRID Guide to Go West! Craft Fest

The wonderful folks at GRID magazine have done a wonderful job on the show guide! Thanks so much to them and to all of the advertisers who helped make it possible, and to all of the show participants. The print version hits the streets on April 17, but here is a sneak peek at the digital edition. See you at the Fest!

The Spring Vendor List is Up!

We are getting ready for the biggest Go West Craft Fest ever! The vendor list is up! We have around 120 of the Philly region's finest independent makers joining us at The Woodlands, May 3 from 11-5. There will also be delicious local food and frozen treats, craft projects for kids, metal forging demonstrations, live music for the whole family, acrobats and a juggler - all free and open to the public. Whew! Check out the complete list to see what's in store this Spring.

Also, there's still time to take part in GRID magazine's 16-page spread set for next month, dedicated to Go West Craft Fest and its participants. The special insert will contain a map of where everything is, a complete listing of vendors, feature stories on selected participants, and a look at what's going on at the Woodlands. It's not too late to add your message to this special one-time edition of GRID, Philly's sustainability guide. Click here to learn more.

Spring is coming -- Be an Early Bird!

Spring is coming. Really, truly it is. Even if we get more snow (of all things) this weekend, spring is inevitable. I am SO ready, how about you?

This photo of bird tracks in the snow was taken this week at The Woodlands. Perhaps a robin made them.

In just a few more weeks, things like this will be happening in the same spot.

I don't see any snow at all in that picture. Those are actual Philadelphian children, without a single parka, muffler or mitten, frolicking in a verdant green field, with pink cherry blossoms under their feet. Bare feet! That looks like fun. They are having fun at Go West Craft Fest 2012! It's Spring!

Go West will be happening there again on May 3. The grass will be green, children will be frolicking, craft vendors will be vending crafts, food vendors will be selling delicious food and ICE CREAM! That you will want to eat while spending time outdoors! And acrobats! And live music! And it will be spring. I promise.

We hope that lots of people come out to West Philly for these springtime festivities. We are getting some great help spreading the word about it. In fact, the wonderful GRID Magazine is doing a huge feature about the Fest in their May issue. It's a 16-page insert, a complete guide to the Fest, with listings of all the vendors and performers, some highlighted Fest participants, and other projects at the Woodlands. We are immensely grateful for this opportunity to share Go West Craft Fest with GRID's 25,000 readers all over the region, who are passionate about supporting small, local businesses and independent makers.

If you have a local business or organization, please consider placing an ad in GRID's guide to Go West Craft Fest. If you know one who'd be perfect for it, please let them know. Early birds get a special rate until March 14. Here are all the details.

We can't wait for it to be Spring, but were getting ready! Stay tuned for the complete list of vendors, over 120 this time...

Applications are now closed for GWCF on May 3rd. 

Thank you to all the amazing vendors who have applied! We are very honored and humbled by how what started as a handful of vendors in the triangle in front of The Satellite Cafe has grown into such a large, engaging West Philly event. This is the largest number of applications that we have received so far and now have some very hard work and choices ahead of us. One thing is for sure, handmade is alive and well in the Philadelphia area!

APPLY NOW for May 3's Go West Craft Fest, and a Special Partnership with GRID

The wait is over... Vendors may apply now to participate in this Spring's Go West Craft Fest, Saturday, May 3 (rain date May 4) returning for the 5th time to the wonderful Woodlands, 40th & Woodland in West Philly. The event features local crafts of all descriptions, like jewelry, accessories, ceramics, prints, clothing, stationery, soaps and more. There's also live music (confirmed so far are the Spinning Leaves and children's musician Jay Sand), food by local eateries (including Baltimore Avenue's Taco Angeleno), and aerial/acrobatic performances by Tangle's Tinycircus. The festival is open to the public and free to attend.

The last day to apply is February 19, which seems so early for a May show, but here's why...

... we are happy to announce a special partnership with GRID magazine, which focuses on sustainability issues and initiatives in and around Philadelphia. GRID is including a special 16-page Go West insert in their May issue (released on April 17) all about the festival, its participants, and the Woodlands. We need to get our planning done far ahead of time for their publication deadlines, which is why we are doing this so early in the year.

With a circulation of 25,000 throughout the region as well as the online edition, this is an amazing opportunity to get the word out about this event and bring new traffic to our neighborhood. It is also a great advertising opportunity for local businesses and organizations. We hope you will support this worthy publication. Please click here for more information about advertising.

This event wouldn't be what is is without the huge swell of community support we have come to know. If you've ever been a vendor or performer at one of our Fests, or if you've come out to shop or just take in the scene, Thank you! We hope to see you again in May.

Save the Date - Spring Craft Fest!

Thanks to everyone who came out our holiday Fest. It was a terrific turnout on a chilly day. We're planning ahead to Spring and have our dates finalized at The Woodlands for Saturday, May 3rd.
Tinycircus will be back performing aerialist feats, along with other local favorites!

We'll be putting the vendor application up at the end of January, so check back then to apply.

Look forward to seeing you on May 3rd!