Finsterfest 2024 - Summerville, GA
FinsterFest 2024: The Wild Ride to Our Best Show Yet
Every year, we wait with bated breath—fingers crossed and full of hope—for that one special email or phone call inviting us back to FinsterFest. With so many talented artists and only a limited number of spots available, being selected is never taken for granted. So when that moment finally came, we were beyond thrilled to be heading back to one of our favorite events of the year.
With great anticipation, we hit the road the day before the two-day festival… only to break down a mere 30 minutes from our destination. Talk about frustrating—especially considering we had just bought a new van specifically for our art shows. What followed was a whirlwind: three auto parts stores, one newly installed auxiliary battery that fried the alternator, one dealership, two Uber rides, two van rentals (including one canceled reservation), and three full rounds of unloading and reloading all of our artwork.
Just when we were on the brink of defeat, we finally arrived—and what a sight for sore eyes! Several incredibly kind and generous folks stayed late, waiting for us and helping us unload and get set up. Their support reminded us why this community is so special.
And in the end? It turned out to be our best FinsterFest yet. The crowds were huge, the art flew off the walls, and the energy was absolutely electric. We met amazing new people and reconnected with beloved friends and fellow folk artists. Visitors came from all over the U.S., and we were overwhelmed with gratitude that we didn’t give up and head home when everything seemed to be going wrong.
No FinsterFest would be complete without the traditional Saturday night pilgrimage to Jim’s Restaurant in downtown Summerville. Around 50 artists gathered to enjoy their legendary salad bar, steak, and shrimp—swapping stories and laughs after one of the busiest selling days we’ve ever had. Then, many of us made our way back across the road to the cozy Coach Inn, full and fulfilled.
Sunday brought another packed day, with a lively crowd and more memories made.
As for the van? Well, let’s just say it sat at the dealership—three hours from home—because, apparently, no one in the U.S. had the right alternator in stock. We ended up keeping an extremely expensive U-Haul for three whole weeks. But that’s a story for another time...
Thank you to everyone who came, supported, bought art, shared stories, and made this festival so unforgettable. FinsterFest, you never disappoint—and we’re already counting down to next year hoping against hope that we get invited again!
