Edina, Minn. (April 22, 2016) --- The Edina Art Fair, the first art fair of the season and most acclaimed in thestate, will mark its 50th anniversary during this year’s event to be held Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5 in the 50th & France neighborhood of Edina, Minn.

The first event held in 1966 was called the Edina Art & Book Festival. It was just a simple book and crafts fair with just a few participants. The Edina Art Fair has since grown to feature over 300 artists from around the world and receives accolades and top rankings from national outlets such as Art Fair Source Book and Sunshine Artist Magazine. An estimated 200,000 people will attend the three-day event.

A variety of ever-popular and new festivities will take place during the three-day celebration including:

• The future Picassos and VanGoghs will have their own area to create art and be entertained by

the likes of the Teddy Bear Band and puppeteers in the Kids Zone.

• The Kids Zone will also host an interactive community art project on Friday and Saturday from

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visitors can make their artistic mark on the various panels that will be displayed at the Edina Art Fair and beyond.

• Even the beer will be crafty as a special beer, No. 50 by Freehouse, will be on tap during the Fair.
• Musical artists the Rocking Hollywoods will headline Friday night’s festivities while Tim Patrick and his Blue-Eyed Band will entertain the crowds on Saturday night.

The inaugural Edina Art Fair Cook Off will be held on Saturday at Cooks on Crocus Hill. The contest feature chefs from Cocina del Barrio, Coconut Thai, and Red Cow.

A “50 until 50” countdown is taking place on the Edina Art Fair’s website and social media

channels. For the latest news, visit www.EdinaArtFair.com and follow @EdinaArtFair on Twitter

and Instagram and find “Edina Art Fair” on Facebook.

At the Edina Art Fair, booths upon booths of ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography, wood carvings, mixed media, 2D pieces, fine art, wearables and sculptures will line the curbs of France Avenue and 50th Street and in the parking lot of Lunds.

Hours of operation for the 2016 Edina Art Fair will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4 and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 5. Hours for the Edina Grill Craft Beer Garden are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The Edina Art Fair is hosted by the 50th & France Business and Professional Association. With more than 175 distinct shops and boutiques, over 20 restaurants, casual cafes and coffee shops, the quaint streets of 50th and France are the perfect site for a summertime stroll.

For more information on the Edina Art Fair, please visit EdinaArtfFair.com or call 952-922-1524.

Contact: Molly Steinke, Nemer Fieger, 612-309-1677, molly@nemerfieger.com

###