On the weekend of June 21–22, the city of Caro, Michigan, came alive with color, creativity, and community celebration as it hosted its first-ever Caro Art Fair at Bieth Memorial Park. The event marked a new cultural milestone for this small Thumb-region town, drawing residents and visitors alike to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with local artwork, music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Organized by Caro Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Caro Area District Library, Cultivate Creativity in Caro, Brushstrokes & Brews, and the Rotary Club of Caro, the fair featured more than 20 local vendors. These artists displayed a wide array of handcrafted goods including paintings, woodworking, photography, jewelry, crochet, macramé, and other crafts, providing a diverse artistic showcase that reflected the town’s growing cultural enthusiasm.
Caro City Manager Scott Czasak, who was present at the event, emphasized the significance of the fair not only as a celebration of artistic expression but also as a strategic effort to revitalize Caro’s local economy. “Art is what allows us to express what it means to be human,” said Czasak, noting that public art initiatives like the fair serve a dual purpose: enhancing community spirit and stimulating arts-related tourism that can support local businesses.
The fair’s inclusive programming catered to all ages. Families enjoyed a series of interactive children’s activities such as “Make & Take” art projects and face painting stations, while adults browsed through booths showcasing original and locally made works. The event was complemented by a lineup of food trucks serving sweet and savory fare—from ice cream and coffee to lemonade and regional delicacies. Music and live performances, including a set from local artist Rob Kandell on Sunday evening, added to the festival’s lively atmosphere.
The vision for the fair came from local artist Parker Bertrand, founder of Brushstrokes & Brews, an art and beverage studio that has become a cultural hub in Caro. Inspired by similar events in nearby towns, Bertrand proposed the idea to the Rotary Club and quickly garnered support from other community groups. “We saw the positive impact arts events had in other towns and wanted to bring that same energy here,” she said. “Our goal is to make this a yearly tradition that grows and strengthens Caro’s identity as a creative, welcoming community.”
The fair’s success represents a larger trend in small-town America, where local governments and grassroots organizations are increasingly investing in the arts as a tool for economic development and community cohesion. In Caro’s case, the fair builds on previous initiatives such as the downtown mural completed in 2023, which has been credited with reinvigorating interest in the town’s visual identity.
For many attendees, the Caro Art Fair offered more than just shopping and entertainment—it was a chance to connect with neighbors, celebrate local talent, and participate in the shared life of the town. Vendors appreciated the opportunity to reach new audiences and sell their work directly, while visitors expressed excitement over the variety and quality of the offerings.
Organizers have already begun discussing plans for next year’s event, with hopes of expanding vendor space, increasing musical performances, and attracting even more participants from surrounding counties. With strong support from local leaders and positive feedback from the community, the fair is well-positioned to become a fixture on Caro’s annual calendar and a model for similar towns looking to elevate their cultural profile.
The debut of the Caro Art Fair marks a hopeful new chapter in the town’s development—one where art, economy, and community come together in a shared celebration of local identity and future possibilities.