The city council voted to approve it and gave funds to make the new festival a city-sponsored event.
Dr. Kato, Terry Pimsleur, and city staff members Kathy Burris and Jim Faulconer worked together to organize the festival.
[1] In 2001, the festival changed into a public benefit, nonprofit organization with a board of directors solely composed of volunteers.
[1] Around 200 crafters and artists throughout the whole nation show their original works with a wide range of mediums including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, toys, accessories, photographs, textiles, furniture, jewelry, foods, and more.
Artists including Drew Dolan, Smooth Sounds of Santana, Surf City Allstars, Past Action Heroes, Los So Lows, Petty or Not, Tabu, Upstream, and Twisted Gypsy have performed at the festival.
The carnival rides include the Train, Red Baron, Eagle 16 Ferris Wheel, Motor Cycles, Bear Affair, Kiddy Swing, and Winky the Whale.