Flutterby festival draws crowds and butterflies (with PHOTO GALLERY)

WaterColor — After a change of venue and a year’s hiatus, the 16th annual Flutterby Festival was stronger than ever.

Organizers estimated more than 1500 people flew through the two-day event that focused on children and children’s art.

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The Cultural Arts Association (CAA) took last year off to find a new location for the festival that has seen its share of venues, most recently at Gulf Place, since its start 17 years ago.

“We’ve been here two times,” said James Pascalli of Santa Rosa Beach.

The 5-year-old had so much fun Saturday, his mom brought him back for more arts, crafts, dancing and butterflies Sunday. By the end of the day, he was begging his mom to stay a little longer.

“The butterfly wings that they decorated were a big hit,” CAA member Joey McKenna said. “After the parade, the kids came back down and started dancing. They got pretty creative with those wings on.”

Now at WaterColor’s Marina Park, the Flutterby Festival also featured more vendors than previous years. The city combined its annual fall festival with the CAA’s butterfly-themed event.

“They decided it would be a good fit and we agreed,” said Donna Vann, a CAA board member.

The merge meant having the festival a month later than tradition. Jennifer Steele Saunders, CAA event chair, was glad to see the guests of honor stuck around for a seasonally late appearance.

“It was magical, really,” she said. “A perfect setting and there were still butterflies flying around. Normally, they’re here from late September to early November.”

Migrating monarchs were almost as abundant as the decorative wings that donned the backs of the youngest in attendance.

“This is awesome. I hope they have it again next year,” said Carolyn Richards. She enjoyed seeing the kids dancing on the stage and the free popcorn at the event.

“And the puppets,” added daughter, Sophia.

The family only made it to the last 90 minutes of the festival and was already making plans for next year.

“Next year, we’ll come all day,” Richards said.

The new location meant a lot of new visitors, many of whom did not realize it was an annual event.

“We’re hoping it’s an annual event,” said Karen Mills of Santa Rosa Beach. “The butterfly parade was cute. It was fun, a good day to be out.”