This weekend, the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair takes over a Highlands crossroads. This juried art fair features hundreds of artists from across the country, exhibiting glasswork, pottery, artisan jewelry, fine art photography, home decor, fashion and even kites.

Started in 1972 as a plant exchange among neighbors in the Cherokee Triangle area, the fair took root and has grown to arguably the Highlands’ favorite event and the only pre-Derby one it can truly call its own. Today, the plant corridor at Everett and Cherokee Parkway remains the centerpiece of the fair, with annuals, perennials, shade plants, herbs and hanging baskets available for purchase.

In addition to the 220-odd artist booths, there will be a children’s area, food and beer tents and, in a fair first, the Castleman Café wine garden. Located at the John B. Castleman Monument at the west end of the fair, the wine garden will be open from 1–5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Starting at 1 o’clock both days, live bands will perform at the gazebo at Willow Park, near the entrance to Cherokee Park at the east end of the fair.

The art fair is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and will kick off on Saturday with a children’s parade led by the Squallis Puppeteers. The fair is a dog-, skateboard-, skate- and Rollerblade-free event. Non-automobile transportation to and from the event is encouraged, but bicyclists are asked to walk their bikes while at the fair. Admission is free. For more information, a list of artists and a schedule of bands, visit http://www.cherokeetriangle.org/fair2010.htm.

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Photo of Elizabeth Kizito, Kizito Cookies: Courtesy Lauren Niemann