It may have started as the brainchild of two Perry art lovers but it takes many sets of hands to put together the large event Art on the Prairie is today.

Seven years into hosting the annual festival, organizer Mary Rose Nichols says they have a solid system in place and attendees are taking notice.

“Artists that we talked to that go to many festivals, and I’m talking out of state in like Aspen, Colorado and many (other) festivals, would say to us this is the best art festival that they attend.  We just couldn’t believe our ears.  I think part of it is because in our seventh year there’s such a camaraderie now between artists and all of those who work with them.”

Nichols says the mild fall weather also helped.

“What was unusual this year was that the crowds were in the streets.  They were lingering between buildings, you know just kind of moseying in the street instead of racing in the sleet or the wind from building to building.  That really added to the atmosphere, just a festive weekend.  Just people loving being there.”

Though organizers don’t believe this year’s event attracted a record crowd, they were very happy with the turnout and already preparing for next year’s show.