Ste. Genevieve has been welcoming travelers, traders and artists for more than 275 years. You can join in the fun and shop for treasures at the annual Jour de Fete arts and crafts festival. With over 200 arts and crafts booths, plus hands-on exhibits and special attractions, Ste. Genevieve’s annual Jour de Fete celebration has been described as one of “the premier arts and crafts fair in the Midwest” and a weekend you don’t want to miss. The city, the first European settlement in Missouri, has long been home to artisans and craftsmen and its French Colonial atmosphere provides a perfect setting for this annual event.
Over 200 Arts and Crafts booths
Live Entertainment though out the festival area
Colonial Crafts
Artisans in traditional colonial attire will demonstrate traditional methods of producing the necessities of life at the Felix Valle State Historic Site. Blacksmithing, woodworking, soap making are some of the demonstrations visitors will see.
French Marine Encampment
The Compagnie Frenche de la Marine de Fort du Chartres will encamp in the area behind the Mammy Shaw house (across Second Street from the Felix Valle State Historical Site) throughout the weekend. Visit with them to get the feel of the rigors of 18th century camp life. The French Marines will also be performing military drills around the festival area at various times during both days.
Antique Steam Engines and Tractors
Antique steam engines and tractors will be on display on South Main Street on both days.
Birds of Prey
Live eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons will be on display in an exhibit organized by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, MO. This display is held in back of the Bolduc-LeMeilleur House (Market & Main Streets) weather permitting. T-shirts and novelties are available for purchase to help the organization’s efforts to preserve habitats and endangered species.
Historical Homes Tours
The Historic District of Ste. Genevieve has a large number of 18th and 19th century French buildings. Many have been meticulously restored over the past 50 years and today Ste. Genevieve boasts the largest and finest collection of French Creole architecture in the United States. While most of the homes are private residences, there are five homes and the Ste. Genevieve Museum that are open to the public and worth investigating during your visit during Jour de Fete weekend. Homes with free admission during the festival are the Felix Vallé State Historic Site and the Beauvais-Amoureux House. Homes that are open but charge admission to enter are the Louis Bolduc House, the La Maison De Guibourd, and the Ste. Genevieve Museum.
Times:
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 9 am - 4 pm
Free
For more information call 573-883-6183
or visit the event’s website
