When the inaugural Pink Palace Craft Fair debuted 45 years ago, no one could have imagined that it would grow to what it has become today. In 1972, it hosted roughly 20 area craftsman on-site at the Pink Palace Family of Museums in Memphis, TN. Today, the event, which has been moved to nearby Audubon Park Oct. 12-14 to accommodate the ever-increasing crowds, has become the largest curated arts and crafts fair in the Mid-South.

Through it all, there has been one familiar face presiding over the fair—local potter Agnes Stark. Stark, who learned pottery after signing up for classes at the University of Memphis, which was Memphis State University at the time, was initially inspired to take up the hobby after watching another local artist craft custom pieces of pottery on the Memphis College of Art’s campus. Soon after, Stark started attending shows like the first Pink Palace Craft Fair to showcase her work.

While the event has grown into one of the oldest and best craft fairs in the country featuring an assortment of shopping, live craft demonstrations, food vendors, entertainment, and family activities, Stark says that the communal and inclusive nature of the three-day show has never wavered: “I love the Pink Palace Crafts Fair and the folks that put it together. They really are wonderful and treat the artists so well. That’s what keeps me coming back,” Stark said.  

The Pink Palace Crafts Fair will take place at Audubon Park at 751 Park Ave. in Memphis. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is free.

The Pink Palace Crafts Fair is the largest fundraising event for the Pink Palace Museum and is one of the largest volunteer-run events in Memphis. The Pink Palace Family of Museums consists of a historic museum, movie theater, planetarium, nature center and arboretum, and two historic houses dating back to the 1830s. For more information on all the attractions to see at the Pink Palace Family of Museums, or to learn more about the Pink Palace Crafts Fair, call (901)636-2362 or visit them online.