Shaker Woods festival will return

Staff report

COLUMBIANA

One of Eastern Ohio’s premiere family craft festivals will return for three consecutive weekends: Saturday, Sunday and Aug. 20-21 and 27-28.

The Shaker Woods Festival, founded to honor the 18th century Shaker community, offers more than 200 craftspeople, representing artists and crafts from across the country. Food booths and entertainment are also part of the festival, which is now in its 29th year.

“It’s hard to believe that Shaker Woods Festival will be celebrating it’s 29th year! We are so blessed to be continuing our journey, and we have so many wonderful people to thank for our success,” said Sue Ferguson, who along with her husband, Sam, are promoters of the festival.

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 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 his/her wares in a 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 — some cooked over an open fire.

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

Darryl Gatlin, a native of Beaver County, Pa., returns to Shaker Woods on Aug. 13, 14, 27 and 28.

Also returning Aug. 20 and 21 will be David Young, who plays two Renaissance flutes (recorders) simultaneously in harmony, creating a soothing sound.

The Free Spirit Cloggers will perform Saturday and Sunday. Additional performers include Vanessa Campagna, Jim Haner “The Banjoman,” Hot Pursuit, Blue Moon Rising, Blue Shades and Davis & McKay.

Robert Griffing, an artist who paints the Eastern Woodland Indians of the 18th century, will sign autographs Saturday and Sunday.

The Children’s Order will offer one-hour classes for youths, including Beginner Knitting,” “Working with Gourds” and “Sunday Toys.”