Pristine white sand beaches, warm temperatures, aquamarine water and the ever present sun are just a few things you’ll enjoy when you choose Delray Beach, Florida, as your next vacation destination. Once known as Linton in the late 19th Century, Delray Beach has a storied past. People were initially attracted to the area for the rich soil and agricultural opportunities. A hard freeze in 1898 left the area devastated, people left, mortgages were closed and the town was in need of change. That year, the remaining settlers convinced the post office to change the name of the city to Delray Beach, for the purpose of re-branding and starting anew. Through the early 20th Century, people began to return to the area and with them new infrastructure and a growing economy. The land boom of the 1920’s really put Delray Beach on the map not only for agriculture, but as a vacation destination and for the abundant real estate opportunites.
Today Delray Beach is a scenic and vibrant community with over 64,000 residents. You’ll find a wide selection of highly enjoyable activities, attractions and locations to visit during your stay. Head out to the white sand beaches for some relaxation in front of the rolling turquoise waves coming off the Atlantic Ocean. The beach also presents opportunities for fishing, sailing, sunbathing, boating, scenic tours, wildlife viewing and so much more. The shops and restaurants here are diverse and will present you options unlike anywhere else. The artisan community is large and growing, and you’re bound to encounter plenty of galleries, art shows and great public art displays. Delray Beach is also home to a series of world class events and festivals, like the annual mega event called Delray Affair.
Well into its fifth decade as one of Florida's premier events, this year’s Delray Affair will be bigger and better than ever. The event is the biggest arts and crafts show in the entire Southeast United States. They will have over 600 different vendors selling a vast collection of beautiful art, crafts and unique handmade items. This event is perfect for everyone from families to singles. Your kids will love the Delray Honda Family Fun Zone, which is packed full of fun activities, games and entertainment. For those of you who are 21+, there will be a beer and wine garden, perfect for conversation and a tasty beverage. Start your spring in style and head to sunny Delray Beach for the Delray Affair! ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to interview Nancy Stewart-Franczak, Certified Festival and Events Executive for Festival Management Group, Inc., to talk about the event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
NSF: This is the 54th year of the Delray Affair. This year we are expecting a massive crowd for our event; projections are over 150,000 attendees. This is an all ages event and anyone interested should come check us out. Demographically we see everyone at the event including singles, couples, families, friends and large groups.
RAL: What makes the event unique?
NSF: Entering its 54th year, Delray Affair is the largest arts and craft event in the Southeast United States. The event takes place along the palm tree lined downtown streets of Delray Beach and stretches an impressive 12 city blocks. The atmosphere is electric and the event combines people from 30 different states into one area. It’s the perfect location to meet new people and have a great time. The event has won a multitude of awards for the spectrum of art, crafts and creations that you’ll find here.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
NSF: This year’s Delray Affair is going to be one for the ages. We will be featuring over 600 artists and crafters. Our Delray Honda Family Fun Zone feature an arcade trailer with over 30 games free for kids to play, face painters, a dunk tank, and Spoke Inflatable Target (where children and adults will learn the basic fundamentals of golf setup and swing).
We feature a beer and wine garden on front lawn of Old School Square, which is the perfect place for those who are over 21 to sample drinks, socialize and have a great experience. We have plenty of areas where you can take a seat, relax and listen to great live music. This year we will continue the tradition of having a wide selection of food vendors. In fact, we will have three separate food vending areas, and plenty of options for every appetite.
The environment here is friendly and relaxed. Enjoy the stunning Delray Beach weather as you stroll the 12 blocks that constitute the Delray Affair. It's a great place to meet new people or to have an unforgettable family experience.
RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?
NSF: Delray Beach has some great lodging options for visitors to choose from. Our host hotel for the Delray Affair is Hyatt Place Delray Beach. They have special rates for the event starting at $149 with free breakfast, parking, and wireless internet. Plus, it's just steps from all the action of the Delray Affair. Make sure to plan in advance because most of the local lodging providers fill up quickly due to the scope of the event.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
NSF: Being the largest event in South Florida is a big deal. Introducing 150,000 new people into the community provides a huge bump to the economy. Some of the businesses that benefit the most from our attendees include: restaurants, shops, hotels, gas stations, grocery stores, campgrounds and more!
This is “the” major fundraiser for the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce. Money raised goes directly to the operating budget, which helps us put on our great events like the Delray Affair.
RAL: Why should people come to the Delray Affair?
NSF: The Delray Affair is the perfect event for a day trip or vacation. The weather here in April is sunny and warm, plus the local residents are friendly and social. The event gives everyone the opportunity to shop for unique items not found in retail stores. Most of which are hand-made, unique and you won't find them anywhere else.
For more information about the Delray Affair, please visit their website.
Photo Credit: VMA Studios