.jpg)
While still months away, planning has already begun for two major festivals in Ely.
The Blueberry/Art Festival is set for July 25-27 while the Harvest Moon Festival will follow.
Both events are sponsored by the Ely Chamber of Commerce, and returning art, craft, and food vendors have already received their applications to return.
The Chamber has also now opened the jury applications for new festival vendors and new or returning vendors for the Experience Ely Expo, which is part of both events.
In 2024, the Blueberry Art Festival booth space was filled by late April.
“Each year, we are striving to create more exciting festivals and expand the types of arts and crafts offered,” said Kristen Switajewski, event director for the Ely Chamber. “In 2024, we introduced our People’s Choice judging for arts and crafts and the food court. Those opportunities will be back in 2025.”
Each festival is juried, so new vendors must complete a jury application, submit the appropriate paperwork, and pay a $35 non-refundable jury fee.
The jury, which consists of area artists and crafters, reviews and selects new vendors in mid-March. Jury applications are available at Ely. org/blueberryart for those interested in the Blueberry Art Festival and at Ely.org/ harvestmoon for the Harvest Moon Festival.
“Our deadline for returning vendors in both festivals is March 15; we have already experienced an uptick in jury applications within the last several weeks. We encourage area artists and nonprofits to apply as early as possible,” said Switajewski.
The Harvest Moon Festival received accolades last fall when USA Today named it one of the top ten best Fall Festivals in the nation, as a result of an online poll.
Switajewski anticipates that the award will generate interest from a broader range of artists and crafters across the country.
Each festival has an Experience Ely Expo component that allows area 501 (c) 3 and 4 nonprofits to participate. Nonprofits from the Ely, Winton, and Babbitt areas must fall within one of five categories to qualify, including Sports & Recreation, Arts & Crafts, Attractions, Service, and First Responders.
Up to 20 booths are available for nonprofits at each festival. The cut-off for Expo applications is April 30, 2025. The nonprofit can either be an event or an organization. There is no jury fee for nonprofits; applications are available at Ely.org/experience- ely-expo/.
Those with questions can contact Switajewski at [email protected] or 218-3656123.
