Bring ‘em on: Most shops welcome festival

When 175 vendors come to Tubac for the annual five-day Festival of the Arts — bringing a good dose of competition — do the village’s 100 shopkeepers welcome it?

They sure do. Well, most of them.

Karin Rosenquist, co-owner of Tumacookery, opened her kitchen emporium nearly five years ago and said the festival brings a lot of people to the village.

“It’s the best week of the year and is right up there with holiday shopping... it’s a good time for us,” she said.

Ann Canet of The Crowe’s Nest, which sells hats, clothing and gifts, said the festival allows people to learn more about Tubac.

“People visit shops as well as vendors,” she said. “The festival brings people here to see what you have. They may buy, they may come back.”

Sunil Patel, who with his wife, Rosio, own Chios featuring the “Fresh Produce” line of clothing and the adjacent Green Olive featuring flavored cooking oils, are at the entrance of Tubac Village. The Patels moved from another village location two years ago and said the greater visibility really helps.

“I benefit from the festival... a lot of people find us. The festival helps our business for the whole year as people bring friends and family back.”

Heir Looms co-owner Lincoln Wilson said the festival is a money-maker.

“The sales are always great,” he said. “The festival generates a lot of revenue for us and for the Chamber. Without that, Tubac couldn’t be marketed.

“The festival brings real artists... It’s important. I wouldn’t want it to go away.”

But Mary Helen Watson, owner of Manos Gallery at La Entrada de Tubac, disagrees.

She said the original intent of the festival was to showcase the art of Tubac artists but now there are 170-plus vendors who come and compete with her during high season.

“It keeps some of my clients from coming to Tubac during this week,” she said.

Watson said Tubac has become a wonderful destination location and has the responsibility to return the festival to a dynamic, artful event and not just a boon for out-of-town artists and the chamber.

“Tubac is an ongoing daily art festival representing an awesome scope of talented artists from all over the country,” she said. “The festival does not reflect that dynamic.”

Contact Green Valley freelance reporter Ellen Sussman at ellen2414@cox.net.