Summer coming to a close in Clarkston means the Crafts & Cider Festival is ready for another year.
The festival, sponsored by the Clarkston Community Historical Society, is scheduled for Sept. 20-21.
“The Cider Festival is an awesome community event,” CCHS president Jennifer Arkwright said. “It has grown from a little fair in a parking lot to filling up the entire Depot Park.”
The Historical Society is expecting more than 15,000 people to enjoy the festival. The outdoor art show features more than 100 fine artists and crafters from all around the country.
This is the 29th year the festival has been held.
“A lot of the artists return each year but we work hard to change it a little each year,” Arkwright said. “There will be a lot of high quality items for sale. We have a selection process the artists need to go through to be chosen for this event.”
In addition to organizing the entire event, the CCHS provides a cider and donut tent for the traditional fall snack and also designs and sells Clarkston merchandise.
New this year is a t-shirt featuring a redesigned version of the Clarkston logo. Also, new is a Clarkston bumper sticker and window cling. Other merchandise the society sells includes a children’s history book published by the CCHS for the local school district’s second grade curriculum, as well as other Clarkston history books, flags, clothing, afghans and tote bags.
In addition, a collection of historic Clarkston photograph reprints are offered for purchase. They have been popular items since being introduced two years ago.
The CCHS will also sponsor a silent auction during the festival. More than 50 artists participate, donating arts and crafts ranging in value from $10 to $400.
Local performers will also add to the atmosphere at the festival. The entertainment this year will feature a two-man string band who specializes in patriotic songs, the Sweet Briar String Band, and Cedar Crest African Drummers on Saturday. On Sunday, the entertainment will include String Fever and the Donna Lee Holman Band.
The is the biggest fundraiser of the year for CCHS.
“The funds generated support the Clarkston Heritage Museum. The museum educates the public and preserves Clarkston history,” Arkwright said. “Without the festival there would not be a museum. We have a rich history in Clarkston and it is important to preserve it.”
The museum was founded in 1999 and is located inside the Independence Township Library.
The Crafts and Cider Festival is located at Depot Park in downtown Clarkston. Admission is free and a free shuttle is provided for those who park at Clarkston Middle School. For more information you can contact CCHS at the Clarkston Heritage Museum at (248) 922-0270.