Craft shows are a big part of summer in the midwestern United States. In eastern Ohio, these annual affairs are often combined with old time fairs, country-flavored contests and bluegrass music. Local artists and crafters share the celebrations with creative minds from across the nation.
Combine the welcoming of fall colors with the exploration of covered bridges in Ashtabula County. Each October the county puts the spotlight on these historic structures, some of which date back to the mid-1800s. The festival includes a crafts fair, a quilt show, a scarecrow-making contest and a competition to see who can build the best mini covered bridge. This is an old time country fair with balloon-sculpting clowns, bluegrass music and tractor pulling contests.
Astabula County Covered Bridge Festival--Jefferson
25 West Jefferson St.
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-3769
coveredbridgefestival.org
The Salt Forks Arts & Crafts Festival has been an annual event in the city of Cambridge since 1967. Held each August, the event honors both traditional and contemporary art forms with a special nod to local artists. Exhibits include mixed media, photography, a student art show and space devoted to artwork created by seniors. Some shows are juried. The public also gets to choose the "People's Choice Award" for their favorite piece of creativity. Craft classes are also offered.
Ohio Arts & Crafts Foundation--Cambridge
P.O. Box 250
Cambridge, OH 43725
740-705-2175
saltforkfestival.org
Medina's Court House Square becomes a sea of tents and people on the third Sunday of every July. The Art in the Park festival features work from more than 130 artists, many of whom donate works to be auctioned off to provide scholarships for college-bound aspiring artists. The free event features art in several media including photography, ceramics, basketry, art glass and wood carving. A visitor to Art in the Park might purchase a unique piece of jewelry fashioned from beads and hand-polished stones. The festival also includes food booths and live entertainment.
Medina County Art League
P.O. Box 339
Medina, OH 44258
330-722-5502
medinaartleague.com
(ref 3, used Art in the Park)
