Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo by Corinne Nicholson

NORCROSS -- Thousands of people packed the streets of downtown Norcross on Saturday for the Norcross Art Fest.

The annual event featured juried arts and crafts booths, entertainment and family fun.

Lawrenceville resident Mary Wegmann said she thought it was the perfect day to visit a festival. She and a friend planned on browsing, and with nearly 200 booths, there was plenty to see.

"It's a nice day. There's no rain in the forecast, and I'm with good company," Wegmann said. "I like the area, the downtown historical area. ... This is one festival I come to on a regular basis."

Downtown manager Tixie Fowler said the festival seemed to have attracted the biggest crowd in its history.

"In the first part of this first day, the crowd has been much larger than past years," she said.

Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson said the community turned out to help make the event a success. About 275 people volunteered for the event, and he said some were out before dawn to help set up.

"One of the great things about this event is it helps us create community," he said. "There's something here for everyone."

The Art Fest continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Shuttle parking is available.

The city's Harvest Festival, which will feature live music and performing arts, is scheduled for Oct. 23, Fowler said. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.aplacetoimagine.com.