Elkhart Rhapsody Arts and Music Festival has big impact on economy

The Elkhart Rhapsody Arts and Music Festival is in its 43rd year. The event offers food, music performances and more for festival goers.

People come from all over the world to check out the Elkhart Rhapsody arts and music festival.

Cooked, stewed, sung, you’ll find what you’re looking for at this year’s arts and music festival. With more than 20 food stalls and 60 different pop-up shops, Elkhart tradition unofficially marks the beginning of summer.

“What’s new for us this year is that the kids area has been greatly enhanced. There are some crafts going on and a wide variety of children’s There is a lot of entertainment for people.” Actions to come

Over 30,000 people are expected to participate over the two days, and this festival will have a major impact on the local economy.

It’s also important to Madison Jackson, a senior at Northridge High School. She’s selling cookies at the event, hoping to raise enough money to take her sister to Italy and Greece this summer.

“We started selling at the end of 2021, then went to Elkhart Farmers Market and decided to be a vendor there. They let me,” said Madison Jackson, a senior at Northridge High School.

Of course, every festival is synonymous with big food stalls serving delicious food.

Lauren Conway Jansen runs Lauren’s Hot Apple Dumplings. She said this is the first event of the summer and it’s important to get off to a good start.

“It’s really important because we have a lot of expenses. I haven’t worked since October. So it’s great to be making money again. Plus, it’s the first event of the year, so I want to work out the kinks and everything.” We want to make sure things are going smoothly,” said Lauren Conway Jansen, manager of Lauren’s Hot Apple Dumplings.

Conway Jansen has been coming back to the festival for more than a decade and says her fellow merchants have become like family.

“I think it’s the people, and all the other vendors are really good friends of mine, so it’s great to be able to come back every year and see everyone. Customers, everyone is so welcoming,” said Conway Jansen. said Mr.

The festival continues until Saturday night, with entertainment officially ending at 10pm.