Ironton aLive to host artisan craft festival

Published 10:50 am Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Ironton is getting an Artisan Craft Festival this fall thanks to Ironton aLive.

The festival, a juried exhibit for artisans and crafters, is slated for Oct. 16-17 and will showcase a variety of artistry ranging from basket weaving to jewelry making.

“Most of them are things that you don’t normally see,” said Sam Heighton, acting executive director for Ironton aLive.

Email newsletter signup

The event is a way to attract tourism to the area and give community members access to local arts and crafts, said Heighton. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase artisans’ work at the festival.

“We’re hoping to have between 15 and 20 vendors,” said Heighton.

In conjunction with the festival, the Farmers Market will be open and a gospel sing is planned at the Ro-Na Theatre.

“They’ll be a lot of things going on,” said Heighton.

“We’re still looking for artisans,” said Heighton. “We can’t have too many.”

A preview of the festival is planned for 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 16 and will give guests an opportunity to see what vendors will be offered when the festival opens the next day. The festival will run from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Oct. 17. Guests of all ages are welcome to attend the preview and the festival.

“It should be a fun day for all age groups,” said Heighton. “It will be a nice fall day, we hope.”

The entry fee for artisans is $50. To find out how to enter arts and crafts in the festival, contact Heighton by calling 740-533-7951.