Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic years, the annual May Show Festival has been a springtime staple of Vankleek Hill life since 1984. And this year, it is back on Sunday, May 19 to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The artisan fair began 40 years ago due to the efforts of the late Phil Arber, and Susan Jephcott, who continues to work as an artist in Vankleek Hill. Excellent Events, the company established by Arber, continues to organize the May Show. Samme Putzel, who owns Excellent Events and was Arber’s spouse, said the May Show started from other art events that were happening in or around Vankleek Hill in the early 1980’s.
“It was Phil’s idea to do the May Show, to have a street festival,” Putzel said.
In addition to artists and artisans, the 2024 May Show will have a lineup of entertainment on stage with music and dancing. Local favourites 50 Proof, Voix-La, Celtic Flare, Jeff Holtby, and the VCI Dancers will perform.
Main Street East will be closed for the May Show Festival. The 2024 event takes place from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, but lots of artwork and delicious treats will be for sale.
Back in 1984, the May Show Festival was originally two days. An estimated 1,000 people attended the event that first year, according to The Review’s coverage. Arber told The Review he was “very pleased” with the turnout. The former Art2 group, which both Arber and Jephcott were part of, was one of the main influences for starting the festival.
“It was a kind of continuation of some art shows that were going on,” Putzel said.
At the 1984 May Show, 12 Art2 exhibitors were set up at the former town hall on Main Street East. In addition to the art and artists, pony-drawn wagon rides were a major part of the first May Show Festival 40 years ago.
Putzel said the festival has had its struggles over the years, but she believes its popularity has rebounded, especially after the two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s back to where people want to get out and support local,” she said.
