Photo Slideshow: Downtown Festival Draws Lively Crowd

Kirkwood bustled last Saturday afternoon as visitors of the Downtown Kirkwood Festival of Food and Flowers soaked in the arts and sun.

Vendor tents filled Kirkwood Station Plaza. Festival goers strolled from tent to tent, pausing to talk with artists as the Maple Jam Band performed old school favorites. Little ones enjoyed making craft projects at a table set up by and many couldn't help bouncing and bopping along to the catchy tunes.

Some Vendors were locally based such as . Others came from outside the County to show their work. Larry Mehmert, a woodworker who lives halfway between Columbia and Festus, heard about the Food and Flower Festival from vendors at Columbia's Art in the Park.

Cheryl Williams, who lives on the border of Webster Groves and Shrewsbury, is a return vendor. Williams began making earrings about four years ago when she wanted to teach her daughter about community service. Proceeds from sales of her jewelry go to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and Williams gives her earrings for free to women undergoing chemotherapy. “The Relay for Life events are tons of fun and it’s a great cause,” said Williams, who attends area events on Friday nights.

Across the way, festival goers enjoyed a variety of food from vendors at the .

Check out the sights and sounds of festivities in our slideshow! Music performed by the Maple Jam Band.