Oklahoma City KEY - Cover Story

Visitors to Oklahoma City have the unique opportunity to experience an Oklahoma tradition and one of Oklahoma’s most unique events - An Affair of the Heart. This unique marketplace is brought to life during a three-day event beginning Friday, February 10 and continuing through Sunday. The marketplace features a wide array of arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles and gifts. Visitors consider it the ultimate shopping spree!

An Affair of the Heart began as a dream of eight Oklahoma women who were frequent exhibitors in arts and crafts shows. They had discussed what was good and what could have been better about each show. After much thought and prayerful consideration, they decided to create their own show. It would be so special and unique that it would attract artisans, craftsman and craft lovers from near and far across the land!

An Affair of the Heart began in 1985 when the first show opened to the public offering the most outstanding arts and crafts in the country to Oklahoma City area residents and visitors. At that time, the show featured sixty-five exhibitors with 850 enthusiastic people in attendance. Exhibitors in ever increasing numbers gathered to display their unique offerings. Thousands of excited visitors came to browse, shop and take home their special discoveries from an outstanding array of quality fine arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles, and gift items.

Over the years, this nationally acclaimed event has grown to include more exhibitors than the first show had visitors –as many as 900 artisans from all area of the country. Shop owners from all over the United States use the show as a wholesale market to supply their stores. Quality exhibitors present some of the finest crafts, antiques, collectibles, fine art and gift items in the southwest. The vast array of products creates an incredible shopping experience for everyone attending this 3-day event. Still there is never enough time to cover these miles of walking, eating and shopping.

Visitors to the “Affair” are charmed into this wonderful world of artists, collectors and craftspeople. Immediately upon entering one of the buildings, their senses are heightened as the excitement of the “Affair” surrounds them. The excitement is contagious. Smiles abound as visitors to the show find an incredible array of accessories and gift items. There’s just so much of what you want and what you love, all at one event!

They are greeted by the spectacular sights of one of the country’s largest craft fairs: the bold and bright color of hand-woven blankets, the soft earth tones of the pottery, the glitter and shine of the beautiful, hand-crafted jewelry. As their eyes take in the sights, they inhale the wonderful mixture of fragrance in the air – the sweet aroma of hot apple cider, the flowery fragrance of potpourri, candles of every imaginable scent. They enter a special world as they browse through the aisles and miles of arts and crafts.

Along these aisles are booths displaying the talents and creativity of truly exceptional artisans. Represented are numerous styles and periods of American heritage – American Country, Southwest, Victorian and Contemporary. Almost every kind of high quality art and craft is featured – weaving, delicately created lace, willow furniture, leather goods, beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry, folk art, dolls, clothing made from native cloth, skillfully woven baskets, unfinished wood furniture, quilts, pottery and more!

The show runs February10th, 11th and 12th at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds, and for your comfort, all shopping is indoors! The event is open Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A one-time admission charge of $5.00 covers all three days of the show for all of the buildings. Parking is free with security on duty around the clock.

Mark your calendar for the next Oklahoma City show, on Father’s Day weekend. The 2nd annual Affair of the Heart at Bricktown will be located in the heart of Bricktown ,on Mickey Mantle Drive, June 16 – 18. The 3-day outdoor event will feature free admission and will be held in conjunction with the Oklahoma RiverFest, which will feature entertainment and activities for the entire family.

For more information on An Affair of the Heart, call (405) 632-2652 or (800) 755-5488 or visit them online at www.anaffairoftheheart.com.

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