The Annual Delray Affair celebrates its 54th anniversary this year! The Delray Affair features over 500 exhibits by artists and crafters from South Florida, and all over the US, in addition to food vendors that spans across 10 city blocks in downtown Delray Beach. Most importantly, admission to the Delray Affair is FREE.
Ella Remenson, M.D. of Delray Beach is this year’s poster artist! Dr. Remenson calls herself a late bloomer in terms of her passion for painting. Between running a busy medical practice and raising a family with two boys, there has never been a spare moment to pause and reflect on a beauty of the world around her. Until those boys became men (ages 30 and 22).
Dr. Remenson said, “I always admired art in museums, at the exhibitions, during extensive travels that I did with my husband. I never thought I could paint. My sister gave me a canvas and a few brushes for my 50th birthday. Then she and I took a few private lessons with a talented artist. Since then, I can’t stop.”
The event, which takes place from Friday, April 8 through Sunday, April 10, features exhibits that everyone is bound to enjoy, including:
“GEICO TRAVELING TOUR” – Located on 1st Avenue and Atlantic, you can step aboard the Geico bus and enjoy their 3D GEICO Pinball game, GEICO Karaoke, win GEICO Giveaways, play GEICO Dice Games AND meet the Geico Gecko.
“DELRAY HONDA FAMILY FUN ZONE” – Delray Honda has expanded! Not only do they have a large new dealership, they have expanded their participation at the Delray Affair and will be showcasing their newest models in addition to providing some FREE family fun.
Games on the Go Mobile Arcade” – Free fun for the family featuring 30 arcade games. Games On The Go combines classic arcade games such as Ms. Pac Man, high tech interactive touch screens and driving games like BatMan and Need for Speed. All games are rated “E” for everyone and there are no shooting or violent games
“AN ‘AFFAIR’ TO RECYLE” – The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County has partnered with Boy Scout Troop 301 to provide recycling at events. Troop 301 is extremely active and dedicated to serving their community, and they always do a great job. Case in point: Just a few weeks ago, they recovered 5,780 pounds of recyclables at the Garlic Fest in Delray Beach!
Delray Beach boasts many of the finest galleries, retailers and restaurants in the nation. Our hardworking merchants have grown with our historic town and have helped put Delray Beach “on the map” for daytime and nighttime entertainment. Our merchants are one of the key reasons our city continues to receive accolades like “Most Fun Small Town in America”. During this year’s Delray Affair our local merchants are rolling out the red carpet for attendees. Be sure to go “Behind the Booths” and see the latest offerings from our beloved merchants.
While visiting the 54th Annual Delray Affair look for our street team in pink “Behind the Booth” t-shirts. They will have the latest guidebook from our friends at the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) for residents and visitors to scour, enjoy and find their way to unique boutiques, fine dining experiences, galleries and more. Take time and visit a place you’ve never visited before.
Also new this year–with every purchase at one of Delray Beach’s local merchants, customers will receive the coveted “I (heart symbol) Delray Beach” sticker. You’ve all been asking for them – we’ll have them for you during the Delray Affair!
Parking: The Delray Affair is excited to partner with the City of Delray Beach and offer patrons FREE PARKING & TRANSIT FROM OFFSITE PARKING LOT! Parking and transportation from Tri-Rail and Department of Motor Vehicles lot on Congress Avenue:
From I-95 take Atlantic Avenue exit in Delray Beach and head West to Congress Avenue. Left (south) on Congress to 501 S. Congress Avenue (on left). Roundabout will transport to and from downtown every 45 minutes.
A $5 fee for downtown public parking garages. Parking is also available at the Delray Beach City Hall parking lot on NW 1st Ave.
Produced by the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Delray Affair traces its roots back to the 1940s and ’50s as the annual Delray Beach Gladiola Festival, a community-wide event that attracted tourists as well as local residents who participated in everything from the annual Gladiola parade to the Miss Gladiola beauty pageant. Today, the community spirit that sparked the first Delray Affair lives on in an arts and crafts festival like no other under the sun. The Delray Affair has an economic impact of approx. $5 million per year. It is estimated the event has produced a $50 million impact for the area over its history.