Magazine recognizes Christmas in the Woods

Singer Vanessa Campagna will perform this weekend.

staff report

COLUMBIANA — Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods, which has been called one of the premier craft festivals in the country by Country Living magazine, will be Saturday and Sunday and Oct. 18-19 at Shaker Woods.

The annual festival features 200 craftspeople and artisans, and is located in a manicured, wooded setting with gravel footpaths and free parking. The juried crafters, in costume, will decorate their booths in an old-fashioned holiday theme. The exhibitors will demonstrate their crafts and sell a wide selection of handmade holiday items, as well as traditional crafts.

The October issue of Country Living magazine features Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods as one of the top craft festival destinations in the United States.

“We were thrilled when an editor called last year to inquire about sending a photographer from New York City to capture the essence of the show. Later, a writer called to interview us,” said Ken McGaffic.

He and his wife, Linda, are the promoters of Christmas in the Woods.

“Linda has subscribed to the magazine almost from its inception and couldn’t believe Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods would be featured in its special 30th anniversary edition. It’s an honor to be in this national publication.”

Holiday craft items, decorations and handcrafted Christmas ornaments are featured at the festival, as well as holiday clothing, wreaths and floral arrangements. Traditional crafters include candle makers, leather workers, woodworkers, doll makers and basket weavers. Hand-thrown pottery and iron and stone work will also be available at the festival.

B.E.Taylor will return to Christmas in the Woods both weekends. Taylor will perform music from his Christmas CDs and original music.

Making her Christmas-in-the-Woods debut is teen singer Vanessa Campagna, who has appeared on CBS’s “Star Search.” She will perform the first weekend only.

Also performing the first weekend is bluegrass band Beaver Creek Band. The New Wave Cloggers will perform the second weekend.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. Admission is $6.50 per day, with free admission for children 12 and under. Bus tours are welcome, and group rates are available. The festival is located at Shaker Woods, on state Route 14, near Columbiana.

For more information, go to www.shakerwoods.com.