2013 VULTUREFEST: MUSIC FOOD AND FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

2013 VULTUREFEST:  MUSIC FOOD AND FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

        It's October, and the vultures are back, along with all of the music, food, and old fashioned family fun.  Vulture Fest 2013 returns to historic downtown Makanda for two days of art, music, and memories Saturday and Sunday, October 19th and 20th.

         One of Southern Illinois' most beloved fall traditions, Vulture Fest not only celebrates the return of Makanda's world famous and legendary vultures, but also features the best that the land between the rivers has to offer.  The two day event, which draws visitors from across the nation, will feature not only the hypnotic antics of the fabled vultures, but also the beautiful handcrafted artwork of more than forty artisans and craftspeople from around the tri-state region, who will be on-hand with handcrafted gifts, all made in the U.S.A.  From paintings to jewelry to handmade soaps and lotions, downtown Makanda will be the place to find that special item for the holidays beginning at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday.  For those who can't attend a festival without their stomach growling, there will be plenty to choose from, with the downtown and boardwalk areas coming alive with an endless array of vendors cooking up festival favorites like corndogs, funnel cakes, hamburgers, chili, curly fries, pulled pork, and everything else to whet the appetite.  Kids of all ages will enjoy face painting by renowned artist Anne Berbling, and the beautiful fall Makanda landscape courtesy of Mother Nature.

        Of course no Vulture Fest would be complete without music, and this year a dozen local music acts from genres reaching across the musical spectrum supply entertainment in Makanda's famous Pavilion and Rainmaker's Garden.  Saturday brings the sounds of Moving Mary, Jenny Johnson, Hobo Knife, Fiddle Rick, Barry Cloyd, and RogNBob, while Sunday Vulture Fest attendees will be treated to the sounds of Cutting Jessies, Swamp Tigers, Well Well Wells, Todd Pierson, New Arts Jazztet, and Big Larry and Friends.  From folk-rock to gypsy stomp to singer/songwriter to jazz to blues, regardless of musical taste Vulture Fest 2013 will offer something for everybody.  Don't miss out on the fun, or the vultures!  For more information visit Vulture Fest on Facebook @ makandaboardwalkevents or contact them by email at makandafestevents@gmail.com.