Jackson Free Press

When Mary Claire Primos, founder of Stray at Home Art and Music Festival, moved back home to Jackson after living in Nashville for seven years, she noticed that something was missing. Though she found a lively, creative class, "There wasn't a young, design-focused craft fair with a lot of DIY designers," she says. Inspired by craftsmen, she set out to bring an event focused on craft and design products to Jackson.

This year marks Stray at Home's third year. Twenty-seven visual artists and craftspeople, mostly from Mississippi, will showcase their wares. The artist roster includes Thimblepress, Casey Creasey Art, Alena Vinet Designs, Fresh Ink, Spirit House Glass, Wolfe Studios and The Lovely Bee.

Attendees can enjoy more than exposure to new designers. The event will also have kids' crafts and activities, live music in Smith Park, a cornhole tournament (costumes are encouraged), and food and drink from local purveyors, including La Finestra, Titos Tacos, Bruno's Adobo, Capital City Beverage, and Cathead Vodka. Primos hopes the event encourages people to "get lost in the beauty and the stories of these artists and their works while 'straying' at home in Jackson."

Furthering the experience of "straying" at home, participating area restaurants will give discounted or free items to any diner wearing an event wristband that day or evening. Sal & Mookie's, Bravo! and Broad Street will offer a 15 percent discount to wristband-wearers. The festival also seeks to raise money for Smith Park improvements, something Downtown Jackson Partners, in partnership with the city, are working on.

"It's really fun to see so many new faces come to downtown, especially knowing not many people live downtown--they had to come just for this," Primos says. She hopes the event will continue to grow and encourage people enjoy creativity and the urban environment of Jackson.

The Stray at Home Festival is May 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Congress Street between Amite and Pearl streets, and in Smith Park. The event is free. For more information or to volunteer, visit strayathome.com.