Bluffton celebrates crafts

BLUFFTON - It might not be an actual welcome mat, but the Bluffton Arts and Crafts Festival is the village's way of rolling out the red carpet for summer.

With craft vendors, food, music and pony rides for children, the festival's 37th incarnation has plenty to lure people outdoors, said Bluffton Chamber of Commerce CEO Fred Steiner.

"I think its kind of our rite of spring," he said. "When the craft show opens up, you know summer is on the way."

Steiner said approximately 60 craft vendors and 10 food vendors will line several blocks on Main Street, in addition to local shops that will open for the event. The goods they will offer will vary, he said, from beads to country-themed crafts to sewn products. Other vendors will provide kid-friendly items to interest children.

""We call this a family event," Steiner said. "Many of the crafters will have things of interest to youth."

For food and produce, Steiner said the festival will also incorporate the local farmer's market into the event. In previous weeks, the farmer's market has offered at least 20 vendors of produce, baked goods and other products.

Shopping at the festival will be accompanied by lively music provided on a stage at the site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Steiner said. Entertainment will include the Bluffton High School Jazz Band, the Bluffton High School Swing Choir and other local musicians.

Steiner said craft fans and casual shoppers alike will find something to enjoy at the festival.

"It's a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon in a small town," he said. "This is a chance for Bluffton's downtown to show off in a nice way. We're a small town but we have an attractive retail area. This is one way we can show west central Ohio what's down here."

Bluffton Arts and Crafts Festival

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Main Street, downtown Bluffton

COST: Free

FOR MORE INFO: Call 419-358-5675.