The annual Ely Blueberry/ Art Festival is just weeks away, and organizers announced the event has reached full capacity. With a maximum of 278 booths filled three weeks ago, this year’s festival is set to be one of the largest in recent memory, featuring 229 unique vendors representing a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, food, and expo groups.
“We were so excited to be at capacity last year, and with the increase in booth spaces, we are full again,” said event director Kristen Switajewski. “Based on our records, we have not had this number of booths since around 2018.”
After last year’s overwhelming demand, Switajewski adjusted the festival layout and added extra booths to accommodate even more vendors.
Attendees can look forward to the return of beloved elements and exciting new features. The Ely Kiwanis will once again be in the pavilion, selling their popular fresh-baked pies. New for 2025, WELY will be broadcasting live from the bandshell.
The food court promises an array of options with crowd favorites like Bob’s BBQ, Becky’s Oriental, and Schweiby’s returning. A new addition is Ruhland’s Strudel Haus, featuring freshly made sweet and savory strudels.
The festival boasts a strong contingent of returning vendors (79%), ensuring a blend of familiar faces and exciting new discoveries. Among the new artisans to look out for are:
• Diane Tomas of Quills & Things creates paper quilled items incorporated into frames, wood, glass, and jewelry.
• Rachel Holden of Dimi Dolls & Company offers heirloom woodland-themed dolls with intricate hand-embroidered details.
• Joe Lecheler and Cicely Matz of Iconosancta Studios handcraft exquisite wood furniture and paintings inspired by Byzantine and Greek designs.
The Blueberry/Art Festival runs from July 25-27, in Whiteside Park. The Chamber will begin marking the park on July 21, to prepare for vendor check-in on July 24.
“Operation Blueberry,” the popular storefront shopping event, kicks off on July 24 and continues through July 27.
Area businesses will be offering a variety of blueberry- themed products and special offers. The Operation Blueberry map will be available starting July 22, at the Ely Chamber of Commerce office or online at Ely.org/ blueberryarts.
The Ely Chamber of Commerce is again offering People’s Choice judging for the art and craft vendors. For $5, individuals can cast a ballot for their three favorite art and craft vendors, plus they receive the official 2025 festival button.
Sales for the People’s Choice buttons and ballots open on July 14, at the Chamber office and will continue at the festival. All ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. on July 26. Winners are announced on July 27.
