Judging by the number of parked cars that choked the streets of Langley Saturday, the 40th annual Choochokam Arts Festival was a huge hit.
While the weather flirted with rain a few times in the early afternoon, attendees of the art and music bonanza were undeterred and packed downtown in search of paintings, jewelry, clothing, folk, jazz and rock tunes and delectable food.
Around lunchtime, the food vendors on Anthes Avenue were facing lines of hungry festival-goers. Wafts from the grilled meats of Wild West BBQ and sweet and savory treats of Crepe-a-Licious lured the masses.
Taking a break from chopping ribs and slicing brisket during his third year at Choochokam, Wild West BBQ owner Joel Sexton said the secret to good barbecue was “love.”
“We just go around and do festivals,” he said of his Lake Stevens-based family business. “We like it here a lot.”
Within earshot, Weatherside Whiskey Band enthralled several dozen people lingering around the main stage. The local-led bluegrass group was fronted by husband and wife Tanner and Amy McInerney.
“Tanner learned guitar on his father’s knee,” said his mother, Karen McInerney, referring to retired teacher Michael McInerney.
The stage was relocated this year. It didn’t move far, however, and was built just up the block from its previous Hladky Park location at the intersection of Anthes Avenue and First Street, to the US Banking parking lot at Second Street and Anthes. One of the festival’s organizers said the reason for the change was because they needed a larger stage, which would not fit at the park because of the old tree.
“It’s not a Second Street conspiracy,” Gwen Jones said through laughter.
In place of the stage, First and Anthes became the Kid’s Zone, featuring a chalk art area adorned with messages and sketches. A prominent, red “I (heart) Cher” was scrawled in the middle of the square.
Fewer arts vendors filled the street space than in previous years, allowing the organizers to consolidate action west of Boy and Dog Park on First Street.
One regular Choochokam vendor came up from University Place to show his wood wares. Barry Crust, the artist-owner of Beyond the Beach, burned patterns and designs into driftwood and downed trees around Hood Canal.
“I was a school teacher in my real life,” he said, delicately etching a line into the grain of a wood walking stick. “Then I retired and found a hobby.”
Early in the festival, people popped into his tent to browse his works and wares. Sales weren’t eye-popping, but it was early, he said. Regardless, he was enjoying another visit to Choochokam.
“It’s a good setting,” Crust said.
Brick-and-mortar businesses in town benefited as well. Michaleen McGarry, executive director of the Langley Chamber of Commerce, said she heard from several businesses that reported strong sales numbers.
“There weren’t as many vendors, but that seemed to be a benefit,” McGarry said in a phone interview Monday afternoon.
“It didn’t seem packed, it felt comfortable,” she added.
