shaker woods festival THE SIMPLE LIFE

The event was founded to honor the 18th-century Shaker community.

vindicator staff report

COLUMBIANA — In the early 1980s, Sue and Sam Ferguson were concerned that a time might come when the sale of their farm products might not cover the rising cost of producing them. While deciding how to extend the land into a more profitable enterprise, the Fergusons hosted an Apple Butter festival in 1982. That first fall festival has blossomed into the highly acclaimed Shaker Woods Festival.

The annual festival will return next weekend and the two that follow (Saturday, next Sunday, Aug. 15-16 and 22-23), with food, entertainment and unique craftspeople, all in a wooded setting.

The Shaker Woods Festival, founded to honor the 18th-century Shaker community, offers more than 200 craftspeople, representing artists and crafts from all across the country.

“2009 marks the 27th year we’ve opened our woods so that everyone can experience something simply special,” said Sue Ferguson. She and her husband, Sam, are still the promoters of the festival. “Hosting people from across America to enjoy the simple life has become a tradition for our family,” said Sue.

The Fergusons have incorporated Shaker history into the festival.

The Shaker community was a group of industrious and devout people whose inventions include the washing machine, spinning wheel and flat broom, as well as clothespins and packaged seeds. Shaker furniture is known for its simple, beautiful lines and fine workmanship. Each year, the Fergusons choose crafters whose work carries on the tradition of fine workmanship.

The crafters dress in Shaker period clothing, and offer their wares in a cool, manicured, wooded area. The level grounds feature crushed gravel footpaths for easy walking and access from acres of free parking.

Crafters demonstrate their unique skills without the use of modern conveniences — not even electricity. The crafts include basket weaving, blacksmithing, broommaking, leather work, paintings, pottery, quilts, custom garden stones, plants, toys, jewelry and woodwork. The items for sale range from small miniatures to rooms of custom-made furniture and hand-carved masterpieces. Some of the crafters exhibit only at the Shaker Woods Festival.

An extensive selection of food is also available, from soups and sandwiches to complete meals — many of which are cooked over an open fire. Snack foods and desserts are also available.

Entertainment, from bluegrass to cloggers, is featured on all three stages throughout the festival.

Returning this year will be musician David Young (Saturday and next Sunday, Aug. 15-16 only). Playing two Renaissance flutes (recorders) simultaneously in harmony, Young creates a soothing, unforgettable sound.

Country singer Darryl Gatlin, a native of Beaver County, Pa., returns to Shaker Woods Saturday and next Sunday and Aug. 22-23.

Additional performers include New Wave Cloggers, Dottie Aikens Reynolds and The Tumbleweed Band, Blue Shades, The Silver Eagle Band, Rob Taggart, Marcille Wallis, and Davis and McKay.

Robert Griffing, who is known for his paintings of the Eastern Woodland Indians of the 18th century, will sign autographs Saturday. His work focuses on the early years of chaos and uncertainty for the Woodland tribes as they struggled to survive European encroachment.

Now in its 17th year, the Children’s Order offers one-hour classes for children. Classes include “Tell Me Your Story” Painted Box and Brush Lettered Calligraphy Monograms or Name Boards.