SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- People will be wandering the streets of downtown Syracuse throughout the weekend looking for bargains as the city stages its annual arts and crafts festival.

Artisans from across the country are manning booths offering everything from paintings to jewelry.

With a down economy, there have been fears that sales of art work might drop off, but, so far, the people at the Syracuse event say that hasn't been the case.

"It varies a little from show to show, but, in general, I'd say my sales have been good considering the state of the economy. So, I've been pretty pleased," said Ann Bliss Pilcher with Butternut Pottery.

The three day festival is helping to kick off a week -long celebration of the arts throughout downtown Syracuse.