In 1971 a woman had a vision to promote the beauty and splendor of Reelfoot Lake by having an Arts & Crafts Festival organized. She felt that if she could help set up a board of directors to form a festival, it would bring people into the community and enable others to enjoy what the “locals” called paradise.

The board of directors consisted of nine men and women. Every member had roots in the community and longed to see others come to know the area as they did. The first year of the festival, though small in numbers, brought tourists into the community and helped stem interest throughout the state.

Working with the state parks and local authorities, the festival has grown to an estimated crowd of over 45,000 people. Exhibitors come from many states to show their crafts and sell their wares with over 300 different vendors in 2010.  Every year comments are positive and results are great for the tourists and vendors alike. The festival is always held on the first weekend with an October date in it. There is free entertainment with artists from the area. People come and sit in the shade to enjoy old time string music and singing.

Come enjoy the festival and soak up on the local flavor as well. Great restaurants, great fishing, beautiful scenery with nature walks along the lake; we look forward to sharing it with you.