Fine crafters return to Shaker Woods

Staff report

COLUMBIANA

The Shaker Woods Festival will return for three consecutive weekends beginning Saturday.

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

“This year marks the 28th year of opening our woods for people to experience the simple life, and we’re continuing to improve the experience for our visitors,” said Sue Ferguson. She and her husband, Sam, are the festival promoters. “We’ve updated the landscaping by planting trees and had new booths and seating areas constructed. In addition, we’ve lined up some new entertainment and additional unique crafters.”

In the early 1980s, the Fergusons 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 annual Shaker Woods Festival. Shortly thereafter, Sue Ferguson researched the Shaker history and incorporated it into the festivals.

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 exceptionally fine workmanship.

Each juried craftsperson, dressed in Shaker period clothing, offers 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 diverse 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. Entertainment, from bluegrass to cloggers, is featured on three stages throughout the festival.

Darryl Gatlin, a singer from Beaver County, Pa., returns to Shaker Woods on Saturday, Sunday and Aug. 28 and 29.

David Young will perform Aug. 21 and 22. Young plays two Renaissance flutes (recorders) simultaneously in harmony.

Another Beaver County native, Vanessa Campagna, will make her debut at Shaker Woods Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Campagna appeared on CBS’ “Star Search” and has performed with Sugarland, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins and Vince Gill.

Additional performers include Free Spirit Cloggers, Dottie Aikens Reynolds & The Tumbleweed Band, Blue Moon Rising, Blue Shades, Rob Taggart, Marcille Wallis and Davis & McKay.

Robert Griffing will sign autographs Aug. 14. An artist, Griffing focuses on the Eastern Woodland Indians of the 18th century.

Now in its 18th year, the Children’s Order offers one-hour classes for youths. Classes include “Back Strap Weaving,” “Working with Gourds,” “Sunday Toys,” “Parachute Pete” and “Beginner Knitting.”