Delray Beach's Annual Delray Affair Coming April 25th

This year the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Delray Beach will host celebrations in honor of the 52nd Delray Affair. Dubbed the "Greatest Show Under the Sun", this is the largest arts and crafts festival in the region. Set in a picturesque palm tree lined downtown, Delray Beach will allow 12 city blocks to be devoted to the Delray Affair this year.  Spanning from the Intracoastal to NW 2nd Avenue, plus the grounds of Delray Beach Center for the Arts and Old School Square Park, this year the event is expansive representing many artists and genres. The festival has received many awards for the variety and individuality of the fine arts. The previous year the event attracted artists from 30 states and 12 countries.  The festival attracts an eclectic mix of characters, with interesting products from housewares to decorative arts. For sale will be refreshments, food, tee shirts and more.

The Delray Affair has received two awards from the International Festivals & Events Association. About 800 artists are represented here each year. Last year, poster artist Ora Sorensen was given multiple awards for her work. She has designed the poster for the event over the past three years.

Since the 1940s and 50s, the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce has produced the Delray Affair along with the Delray Beach Gladiola Festival. The flower show attracts tourists and locals with community support and volunteers. The Gladiola Festival encompasses many events like the annual Gladiola parade and the Miss Gladiola beauty pageant. These events are great for the whole family and nearby accommodations range from posh luxury to quaint bed and breakfast.

This year the Chamber of Commerce has introduced the new mobile app that promoted interconnectivity between the community and vendors. Plus other features that showcase sponsors and advertisers. The app will be offered year long with updated content as the year goes on and into the following Delray Affair. The app will be available for download April 18.

There are three hotels within walking distance to the events.  Hyatt Place Delray Beach is the newest hotel in Delray Beach.  Rates are reasonable, starting at $169 with free breakfast, parking and wireless internet. Crane's Beach House is also a great choice, located at 82 Gleason Street. This event is free to the public. If you are coming by car, a $5 fee for public parking and handicap parking is available at the Delray Beach City Hall parking lot located on North West 1st Avenue and at both City parking garages for the same fee.

The Delray Affair and the Delray Beach Gladiola Festival are held between April 25 through the 27 from Friday and Saturday starting at 10 am and closing at 6 pm. Sunday hours are from 10 am to 5 pm. For a detailed list of events, artists and more please go to www.delrayaffair.com. The Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce is anticipating a record number of visitors this year. Come to the Delray Affair and stay of the atmosphere of Delray Beach, named The Most Fun Small Town in US.