It's a wild Mad Hatter weekend

The Mad Hatter is at The Barnacle this weekend, inside and outside on the sidewalk along the front gate, Sunday, March 17 is the final day, they are open from 10 am to 5 pm. Come out to their 14th season for the juried art event, which features all sorts of media styles and plenty of neighbors. It's more than just an arts festival, it's also a vintage marketplace where the old Grove spirit, sort of like Gifford Lane, comes through. Buy art and vintage items and beer and food. That's the Mad Hatter played by Chaille Stovall and Alice in Wonderland played by Luci Moure, who you'll see wandering around the grounds all weekend.

Live music is a big part of the festival plus activities for kids of all ages, including a special “Tea Party” with fruity sips and sweets. Adult food is available — as well as ice-cold beer — found at Down the Rabbit Hole, the Festival’s biergarten sponsored by Oasis Lounge and Hookah Bar. We got delicious burgers from the Hookah Bar on Saturday.

I had a good time. I hung out with so many friends who I hadn't seen for awhile. One from Lake Worth, which is called Lake Worth Beach now, and another from Chicago and so many Grovites. It was lots of fun; one of those "real" Coconut Grove days. I got a doughnut from The Salty Donut, which was set up at Florentine Plaza and the whole Grove was very alive. We took Freebee around town, which worked out great. I looked after one friend's art booths for a bit, I didn't sell anything, but I was there and ready. She sold a lot before and after I came and went.

The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Highway and as you make your way to the area, you'll see all sorts of fun and colorful art and people up and down the street leading up to the entrance.