Hundreds of Troy citizens and out-of-town visitors flocked the square in downtown Troy Saturday for the opening day of TroyFest 2013. The festival goers were treated to a variety of booths and vendors at the arts and craft festival.

Artists from across Alabama and the United States put pieces on display at the event, which honors Jean Lake. One artist, Don Stewart of Homewood, said the city of Troy is the perfect place for so many different and diverse artists to come together.

“Troy is a very interesting environment,” said Stewart. “It is a small town, with the small-town friendliness that people love. However, it also has influence from the university and the Johnson Center for the Arts. It says a lot about a community when you have the mindset that will fund a place like the Johnson Center.”

In addition to viewing the art on display, TroyFest goers also had the opportunity to see some of the area’s more talented musical acts. Throughout the day, artists took to the stage in hopes of winning the competition portion of the Songwriter’s Festival.

The event, weather and atmosphere drew praise from numerous attendees.

“This is just a great event,” said Jessica Alums of Montgomery. “The vendors have beautiful artwork for purchase, but the best part of the day is that you can come out as a family and enjoy the company of everyone. We make the trip every year and it never disappoints.”

TroyFest will continue on Sunday April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.