Provided photo Wildlife and nature photographer Lee Perry of Hancock is this year's Featured Artist at the 64th Annual Eagle Harbor Art Fair.

EAGLE HARBOR –Once again one of the summer highlights of Keweenaw County is the Copper Country Associated Artists annual Eagle Harbor Fine Art Fair and Exhibit. Traditionally held on the second weekend of August, this year’s show is Saturday and Sunday. It marks the 64th year of this exciting event!

One of the areas longest running art fairs, it is an open-air show held in the church yard of St. Peter’s By the Sea Church and the adjacent historic Rathbone School in Eagle Harbor.

This year’s event is slated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Again this year, the Fine Arts Fair has brought in one of the biggest artist turnouts in the history of the show, with more than 70 professionals from across Michigan and adjacent states.

Since this is a juried show, each work exhibited is original and presented by the individual artist or artists who created it. A broad diversity of media includes painters, sculptors, jewelers, photographers, woodcrafters, potters, fiber artists, glassworkers, copper artists

and more. Once again this year, chainsaw artist, Blaine Riutta who was a favorite of past attendees of the show, will be in attendance.

Visitors and locals alike find that this show is an opportunity to take a “piece” of the Upper Peninsula home with them to enjoy long after summer vacation is a sweet memory.

Each year the work of an area artist is highlighted. The Featured artist for this 64th annual event is Lee Perry of Lee Perry Photography. Perry has spent most of his life in the Upper Peninsula. Living first in L’Anse and then in Hancock, where he currently resides. He started his wildlife and nature photography business in 1993. His subjects include the nature and wildlife around Lake Superior and beyond. You’ll find Lee’s work in the St. Peter’s by the Sea Church undercroft. Take a moment to chat with the artist himself about his photography and love of all things Michigan.

Even if you’re not shopping for art, this fair has plenty to offer with artist demos, along with many artists actively working in their booths. The Eagle Harbor Fire Department and Emergency Medical Response will be manning the grills with food and drinks available to purchase.

The local ladies of the community will hold a Bake Sale. For the kids, there’s a Make and Take” art table hosted by artists of the CCAA to keep them busy and creative. After you’ve enjoyed the fair, there’s lots more to experience in Eagle Harbor. Bring your blanket to

sit on the beach, walk the shore and wiggle your toes in the sand, or wade into the cool waters of Lake Superior. Drive or stroll through the charming town of Eagle Harbor to admire architecture of the past. Visit the Lighthouse overlook (free) or take a guided tour of the Lighthouse.

As an added bonus, since the Eagle Harbor Fine Art Fair is a major event for the community, all the Keweenaw County Historical sites will also be open for both days.

Although the weather is very changeable in the U.P, our artists are prepared for it all. Whether we see sunshine or clouds, wind, rain or any combination of the above, as they say in the circus…the (Fine Art) show will go on! So bring your sun hat or umbrella, depending on the forecast and join us for a wonderful day of food, fun and fine art.

The Copper Country Associated Artists also operates a gallery in Calumet. Visit the new location at 117 5th Street. Interested in becoming a CCAA member or securing your own spot in next year’s fair? Contact the Eagle Harbor Fine Art Fair Chairperson Linda Dodge at 906-337-3969.

See you at the show!