The 64th annual Arts and Crafts Festival in Fairhope concluded last weekend and what a show it was.

Some 230 artists and vendors lined the streets of what was the best-kept secret in Alabama for three days as thousands of people from the state and country converged.

Having grown up in Fairhope, I’ve attended quite a few arts and crafts festivals and each one gets bigger and better.

Recently, I haven’t had much of an opportunity to attend the festival, but over the weekend, I got the chance to attend twice.

My parents still live in Fairhope, and their house is only a short walk from downtown. So, it was quite easy to get to and from the vendors.

For those who haven’t been, the festival always takes place during the third weekend of March every year.

It brings in top artists and crafters, including metal workers, photographers, potters and others, together to show off their creations.

Imagine a never-ending site of white tents — booths — lining both sides of the streets, and add people everywhere.

That’s pretty much what arts and crafts is like in Fairhope.

In my recent trips, I’ve not only enjoyed what the vendors are selling, but I’ve always liked doing something that’s fairly common — people watching.

As I make my way through the crowd, I look at the art first and then those walking near me. I soak in the different looks people have and the similar genes mothers and fathers pass down to their children.

I notice the different fashion styles both men and women wear, young and old.

Sometimes I’ll try to see if I can guess where they’re from by their accents. I did see a lot of New York, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida and other tags during my stay over the weekend.

Yes, it was such a great weekend to be home for the annual arts and crafts festival.

Next year will be here before you know it, and I’ll be interested to see what changes, if any, I notice from the lot.