Festival goers spending less cash

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Festival season is now in full swing in western New York.

While eager festival goers are enjoying some great weekend weather, it seems they're less eager to part with their hard-earned cash.

The 52nd Allentown Art Festival attracted artists from around the country to the Queen City this weekend.

About 450 vendors attended and sold a variety of items, like hand-crafted baskets, jewelry, photographs and paintings.

Hundreds of people came out to the Allentown Art Festival this weekend to enjoy the art and the weather. But vendors are saying that people are buying differently this year than in past years.

"They are buying less expensive things, they're buying things that aren't framed, just generally smaller things. My larger items aren't selling as well as they used to," said Robert Ley, a local photographer.

"A lot of times I'll sell a whole set of baskets, maybe four or five that match and this year they just buy one or two.

Nonetheless, News 4 saw several people who made a few purchases.

"We got a garden embellishment. We went to an antique store and bought some drawers and I got a great quilt," said Sharon Klima.

Many of the artists rely on these shows to make a living and travel around the country to sell their work. But vendors like Kelly Allen, who has participated in the this festival in the past, say it's one of the better ones they've been to.

Allen said, "This show has been really good the energy level has been great. In Florida it wasn't so good, so its nice to get out there and feel the energy again and I am feeling a positive response."

Although, some shoppers scaled back festivals usually help boost the local economy.

"It's fantastic. I can't give numbers but all the hotels are full here and some are in Hamburg and you're going to see restaurants people falling out its wonderful," said Mary Myszkiewicz, Allentown Village Society President.

Whether people came to buy or just look, it was a festival enjoyed by all who attended.