The 39th annual Blueberry Art Festival took place over the weekend in Ely’s Whiteside Park. The event featured 227 unique vendors selling their original work. 
Eva Sebesta, executive director for the Ely Chamber of Commerce, estimated that about 40,000 people attended the event. 
“We were just really excited to see the crowds coming,” she said. “Friday was probably the biggest day we’ve ever seen. Last year was a bit down because of extreme heat, so it was great to see the crowds coming back.”
Weather threatened the festival on a few occasions, including a flash flood and strong storm that knocked over several tents. 
Sebesta said that four booths had to be moved on Wednesday while they waited for flood water to recede. A morning squall on Sunday damaged a few tents, causing a few vendors to leave early. A possible thunderstorm nearly closed the festival early as well.
“It looked like it was going to hit, but fortunately it moved north and we were able to stay open until 4,” Sebesta said.
Despite those challenges, the festival was a success for vendors.
“It seemed like really good, strong sales. We talked with a number of vendors who have had their best sales ever on Friday,” Sebesta said. “Saturday was a little bit slower but still strong sales.”
Awards given
Prizes were given out to the top artists and craftspeople. The winners are:

Art
First place: Michelle Schwake
Second place: Lori Booth
Third place: Madeline Flesvig

Maker
First place: BKS Designs
Second place: Wesley Wood Custom
Third place: Twisted Gingersnap

Craft
First place: Artistic Mud
Second place:
Natural Inspirations
Third place:
Natural Expressions

Marketplace
First place: Under The Bark
Second place: Superior Sweet
Third place: Lollipop Shop