A wandering minstrel entertains on the violin

Jefferson Street in Sturgeon Bay is the venue for a small but fun Saturday festival in July. On the city's northside, this street has a large number of small shops and galleries on both sides, often referred to as the Jefferson Street Shops. You can't miss them if you're headed out of town, since this is the main drag and flows into Egg Harbor Road and then back to Highway 42/57 north. It doesn't take a long time to capture the essence of the fest.

Taking part in the festivities gives the visitor an opportunity to explore the various shops that may have been previously overlooked. Kids and grownups alike will enjoy Child's Play and Elliott's, while Bliss and Monticello is sure to please all those appreciate things for home and garden. Apple Hollow Fiber Arts caters to weaving type spirits and people who appreciate getting closer to the cloth. Jefferson Street Antiques takes you back to simpler times, certainly lower tech type times. There is much furniture and curios to choose from. We happened upon a vintage derby hat ... ever see men wear fancy, formal hats anymore?

Of course there's food and music at the event, so plan to stay for lunch and do some listening. You can't beat a brat consumed outdoors on a beautiful summer day in Door County, and the tunes add a lot of down home ambiance.

Just off Jefferson Street near the antiuqes store is a little shop called "Thriftsville", and if you grew up in the fifties, this one is for you. Nostalgia reigns supreme as you re-discover objects that were part of your environment as you grew up  ... even record players ... remember those? This store calls itself "retro" which is certainly a very flattering way to refer to furniture and household items that aren't quite antiques ... yet!

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The band keeps things hopping all day

Artisan demonstrations abound at this festival

This is a great festival for kids

Sailing dory built by Door County Maritime Museum volunteers