Fells Point celebrates spirited annual festival

The annual Fells Point Fun Festival took place this past weekend from Oct. 12 to Oct. 13. It was my first year at the festival, but I don’t think it’ll be my last. Over 100 vendors and 17 bands filled up the waterfront in the historic area along Thames Street, including Caroline and Wolfe.

Perfect for enjoying a date or outing with the whole family, the event was made fun for all.

According to overseers of the Fells Point Fun Festival, the annual event “began in 1967 as a fundraiser to raise money to fight against a project that would have linked I-83 and I-95 and demolished an extensive area of Fells Point.” Today, the six-block festival serves as a testament to the joint effort of both the neighborhood and festival initiators, who helped to save the beautiful, unique and historic area we now all know as Fells Point. 

Personally, I always enjoyed going to Fells Point for its diverse choice of restaurants in rustic yet beautiful buildings architecturally infused with a touch of modernity. The nighttime scenery is especially beautiful, with a lighting setup that adds to the vibrant atmosphere. In fact, Fells Point is one of the several areas in and around Baltimore that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

When I went there on Saturday, the area was bustling more than ever with hundreds, maybe even over a thousand, visitors of all ages. From families crowding around arts and crafts booths, to friends sipping beer and wine, it was the people and the company that made the local celebration all the more enjoyable. 

I also had a fun time with some friends, who were reluctant at first about being at the event but ended up liking it even more than I did. 

More than anything, we were also shocked by the vast array of vendors. One booth with small, beautifully painted acrylic images caught my eye. I approached the booth to introduce myself to the artist and learn more about her own artwork. 

A self-taught, emerging local artist, Jessy DeSantis aims to portray the magical realism of Latinx culture that adds to Baltimore. 

“I want to make it possible so that the audience can visualize a sense of belonging, especially in critical times, against the fight against immigration,” DeSantis said. 

This year’s festival marks her second year as a participating artist for the festival. Her work is also featured in City Hall as part of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Another booth I found interesting was the IV hydration booth, where you could pay 50 dollars to get hydrated by somehow injecting nutrients into your veins. The contents of the infusion usually include sterile water, glucose and electrolytes. While my skin was quite dehydrated, I opted out on this one. 

A few bands were also performing, including Fantasm, a local, high energy pop rock cover band comprised of five members. According to their Facebook page, they play a wide variety of music spanning decades  — everything from Elvis and The Rolling Stones to Arctic Monkeys and Neon Trees. 

While I didn’t know most of the songs they played, I found myself moving to the beat of their songs. 

Simultaneously playing on a different stage was the Skyla Burrell Band, a blues band known for their high-energy electric blues. While the tone of the music was starkly different, it was equally as good, nonetheless. 

This event seems like a good opportunity for local businesses, artists and bands to gain more advertising and public interest while attendees can get a little taste of everything Baltimore has to offer.