Mattoon Street Arts Festival

I've spent the week so far stocking up on soap bars. I love the smell of a soapfest, as batch after batch wafts through and fills the whole place with wonderful natural plant oil aromas.

The weekend was a glorious one, and the Mattoon Street Arts Festival didn't disappoint. The Festival, celebrating its 35th year, is Springfield's signature festival, and one of New England's longest running arts and crafts fairs. With over 90 exhibitors displaying and selling handmade arts and artisan crafts on a wonderfully historic tree-lined urban street over two weekend days, it is as unique as the artists and craftspeople that participate in it year in and year out. Herringbone brick sidewalks, stately London Plane shade trees, and cast iron ornamental street lights all contribute to the charm of this designated historic district.

Saturday was sweltering with high humidity and the temperature a record breaking 92 degrees. It was a little too warm, and the numbers wandering through the pretty canopy lined street reflected that. But in true Scarlett style, tomorrow was indeed another day, and the Sunday shoppers stopped by our canopy all day long taking home with them many olive oil soap chappies.

Almost Sunset won the day yet again. I have yet to put this soap bar out and have it overlooked. Thank you to all who stopped by the booth to see what the scent was all about, and to everyone who couldn't resist picking up some Manor Hall goodies.