Columbus Day weekend arts fest in Northampton

t wouldn't be Columbus Day weekend without a trip to the Paradise City Arts Festival at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton. Founded in 1995 by Geoffrey and Linda Post, this year's edition on Oct. 8-10 boasts 275 professional craftspeople and visual artists from around the country who drive the creative economy. The array of original designs in blown glass, pottery, jewelry, furniture, wearable and decorative fiber, photographs, paintings, sculptures, and mixed media is a feast for the eyes. The hard part is deciding what to buy. An outdoor sculpture garden by exhibitors, a special "Picturing the Music" exhibit, live music, children's art activities, a silent auction benefit, and local restaurants' fare in the food tent complete the experience of a day at the fest.