Spotty weather and a poor economy weren’t enough to dampen the first day of this year’s Broad Ripple Art Fair.

Organizers realize hosting their biggest fundraiser of the year in May can be a dicey proposition — and they were reminded of that on Saturday when a brief midday shower passed over the Indianapolis Arts Center grounds.

But participants rode out the rain by heading inside for glass-blowing demonstrations.

“That is the reason we host a two-day fair and have indoor activities,” Lisa DeHayes, the Indianapolis Arts Center’s director of marketing, said about Saturday’s light rain.

“Attendance is a little down, but I have noticed a lot of people purchasing items,” she said. “That is nice because we thought the economy might hurt this year’s festival. I am amazed at the resiliency of people.”

More than 225 artists from the U.S. and Canada descended on this year’s festival, which continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at 820 E. 67th St.

Live entertainment, a children’s area and plenty of food also highlight the annual affair.

DeHayes said she was surprised to find more people enjoying the musical entertainment this year.

“Despite the weather, we really had a steady stream of people coming in and out, and after it cleared, we had perfect conditions,” she said.