The Mad Hatter is at The Barnacle this weekend, inside and surrounding area on Saturday and Sunday March 16 and 17 from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Come out to their 14th season for the juried art event, which features all sorts of media styles. It's more than just an arts festival, it's also a vintage marketplace where the old Grove spirit, sort of like Gifford Lane, comes through. Buy art and vintage items and beer and food. That's the Mad Hatter played by Chaille Stovall and Alice in Wonderland played by Luci Moure, who you'll see wandering around the grounds all weekend.
Live music is a big part of the festival plus activities for kids of all ages, including a special “Tea Party” with fruity sips and sweets. Adult food is available — as well as ice-cold beer — found at Down the Rabbit Hole, the Festival’s biergarten sponsored by Oasis Lounge and Hookah Bar. We got delicious burgers from the Hookah Bar on Saturday.
I had a good time. I hung out with so many friends who I hadn't seen for awhile. One from Lake Worth, which is called Lake Worth Beach now, and another from Chicago and so many Grovites. It was lots of fun; one of those "real" Coconut Grove days. I got a doughnut from The Salty Donut, which was set up at Florentine Plaza and the whole Grove was very alive. We took Freebee around town, which worked out great. I looked after one friend's art booth for a bit, I didn't sell anything, but I was there and ready. She sold a lot before and after I came and went.
I had a good time. I hung out with so many friends who I hadn't seen for awhile. One from Lake Worth, which is called Lake Worth Beach now, and another from Chicago and so many Grovites. It was lots of fun; one of those "real" Coconut Grove days. I got a doughnut from The Salty Donut, which was set up at Florentine Plaza and the whole Grove was very alive. We took Freebee around town, which worked out great. I looked after one friend's art booth for a bit, I didn't sell anything, but I was there and ready. She sold a lot before and after I came and went.
The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Highway and as you make your way to the area, you'll see all sorts of fun and colorful art and people up and down the streets leading up to the entrance.
Festival organizers Katrina Boler, The Barnacle Ranger and Teresa Sorrentino, flank Monty Trainer. Three Grove movers and shakers.
Liz Gibson is at the entrance, you can't miss her as you enter.
Two of the fun mad hats worn by participating artists.
Eileen Seitz and Noel Garcia, with his grandchildren.
Will Thomas performed at the entrance to The Barnacle and Trish is right near him, with the best Mad Hat of the day.
