Happy Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival weekend, Baldwin County.

This festival has brought artists to the downtown streets of Fairhope for 71 years and draws visitors from across the U.S. Don't miss a chance to enjoy the (usually) beautiful weather and find a work of art for your home, or get your Christmas shopping started early. The event runs Friday, March 17, through Sunday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

*** UPDATE 3/17, 11:30 a.m.: Due to inclement weather, the festival will shut down at 1 p.m. Friday, March 17.

Gulf Coast Media produced and published the official festival guide again this year and sent subscribers a copy. If you missed out, have no fear. Copies of the 71st-Annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival Guide are available for free at the festival. It is filled with everything you need to know, but for a sneak peek and to ensure you know what you need to before you go, such as information about where to park, how to catch the shuttle or where to find food inside the grounds, here is a short list.

1. DON'T GET TOWED

Parking downtown is limited. Pay attention to the "No Parking" signs during the festival and do not block driveways. Vehicles will be towed if they interfere with festival activities or residences.
Call Tony's Towing Services if your vehicle is towed during the festival, (251) 928-7324.

2. TOP SPOTS TO FIND PARKING
Fairhope West Elementary, Fairhope Public Parking garage off North Church Street, public parking lot off South Church Street, First Baptist Church of Fairhope, St. Lawrence Church, Fairhope United Methodist Church except during church services.

3. HANDICAP PARKING

Available at the municipal parking lot on Bancroft behind Julwin's Restaurant.

4. RIDE YOUR BIKE AND USE THE BIKE VALET
Set up in front of the Fairhope Public Library on Fairhope Avenue during event hours. They will keep you bike safe and locked up, and you can walk the short distance to the festival.

5. GOLF CART PARKING
Available at Coastal Alabama Community College on Bancroft.

6. AVOID THE PARKING HUNT AND USE THE SHUTTLE SERVICE
Hot Wheels of Daphne will provide a shuttle service throughout the weekend. It will run from the Eastern Shore Village (Big Lots parking lot) and Plantation Pointe Shopping Center (Piggly Wiggly) off U.S. Highway 98. Look for signs for the designated parking area and shuttle pickup and drop-off. The cost is $5 for a round-trip ride.

7. FESTIVAL FOOD COURT
All the food at the festival will be in one spot, at Magnolia Avenue between Section and Bancroft Street, and there will be a variety of vendors with everything from carnival food to empanadas and everything in between.

8. LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS

The local restaurants and shops that line Fairhope's downtown streets will be open, and some will offer special festival menus and sales.

9. CHILDREN'S ART TENT
After browsing the artists' booths, take the kids to the Children's Art Tent and let them create their own masterpiece. The tent, sponsored by Coastal Alabama Real Estate, will be at South Church Street across from Fairhoper's Community Park. The Children's Art Tent is open between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and all activities are free.

10. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL WEEKEND LONG
The festival entertainment stage, at the corner of Section Street and Magnolia Avenue, will host local and regional talent.

11. FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE TENT
You will find the official festival merchandise booth behind the Fairhope Clock at the corner of Section Street and Fairhope Avenue. Pick up the festival poster featuring art by Ricky Trione, postcards, T-shirts and more.

For more information on the 71st-Annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, visit www.fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com, and be sure to grab a copy of the official GCM-produced festival guide book.