 "Photo: James McDonnough ~ Daily Egyptian")
 "Photo: James McDonnough ~ Daily Egyptian")
Brittany Hughes found art in the middle of nowhere.
The senior from Mt. Vernon studying speech communication made her discovery this weekend at the annual Spring Fest, a gathering of the artists, musicians and free spirits in the town of Makanda, located roughly eight miles south of Carbondale.
Jan York, who lives in Alto Pass and helps plan Makanda’s yearly festivals, said she has had people from all over the world tell her the town has a unique draw. She said she thinks it is the spirit of the people that makes the community stand out.
“It’s kind of free,” she said. “It’s not tense at all. It’s the complete opposite of the city.”
David Dardis, the owner of Rainmaker, a jewelry and craft shop on the boardwalk, says he has been a part of Spring Fest since day one. It began almost 25 years ago when the mayor suggested the town hold a festival to showcase its many artists and craftsman, he said, and it has been an annual event ever since.
Dardis said one of the drawing points is the music. Twelve bands performed this weekend, and Dardis said one of them, the SilverTongueDevils, is set to open for Willie Nelson this summer.
He said the event has grown in popularity over time, sometimes drawing more than 3,000 visitors from across the country. Artists come in from Indianapolis, St. Louis and Chicago to show their work, he said.
It is for the artwork and crafts that many students attend the festival.
Hughes said going to Spring Fest on Saturday was her first experience at Makanda. After purchasing a ring, she said she returned the next day with a friend.
Sara Spiegel, a senior from Sarasota, Fla., studying sppech communication, came with Brittany on Sunday in search of something for Mother’s Day, but also to experience the town.
“I just wanted to get a taste of all the artwork and jewelry,” she said.
Spiegel said she loved the atmosphere of the town and was glad to see the community come together for the festival. She said it was unfortunate that not many students are aware of the town.
Hughes said she was surprised to discover the town’s atmosphere.
“I think it’s great to see such an artsy place in the middle of nowhere,” she said.
York said Makanda’s location, close to Giant City State Park, contributes to the town’s spirit.
She said this year’s event drew less of a crowd than usual because of the weather.
Although 45 vendors were scheduled to attend, she said many of the more distant ones decided not to come when they heard that rain was likely. Saturday saw roughly 20 vendors, she said, and on Sunday only 10 craftsman had tables set up outside.
Despite the drawback of rain, Dardis said the event still had a good turnout. An event such as Spring Fest is unique because of the atmosphere, he said, and would not work in another town because of uptightness.
“This town has no control,” he said. “And so it’s a great social experiment that works.”
Genna Ord can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275
