COLUMBIANA, Ohio – Old-fashioned Christmas in the Woods at Shaker Woods in Columbiana, Ohio, is scheduled for Oct. 12-13 and 19-20.
The eighth annual festival will host more than 200 quality craftspeople and artisans.
Costumed crafters. In a manicured, wooded setting, each juried costumed craftsperson will have their booths decorated in an old-fashioned holiday theme. The exhibitors will demonstrate their crafts and sell a wide selection of handcrafted holiday items, as well as traditional crafts.
The level grounds feature gravel footpaths for easy walking and access to acres of free parking.
Holiday craft items and decorations at the festival include handcrafted Christmas ornaments, holiday clothing, wreaths and floral arrangements. Traditional crafters include candlemakers, tinsmiths, wood workers, doll makers and basket weavers. Pewter, hand thrown pottery, and iron and stone work will be available.
Special music. David Young, of Celestial Winds, from Hollywood, Calif., will perform the weekend of Oct. 12-13. Young developed his unique technique of playing two recorders at the same time in harmony. He combines alto, tenor, bass, soprano, and sopranino recorders through modern technology.
The Stow Heritage Handbell Ringers return this year performing the second weekend. This community handbell choir is comprised of ringers from Stow, Ohio, and the surrounding area. They will perform a wide selection of modern and traditional Christmas music.
Also performing the second weekend will be the Beaver Creek Band with their own blend of traditional acoustic music. The group will present songs featuring vocal harmonies accompanied by the banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin.
The group Windridge is featured in the woods all four days. This musical duo of Bob Bellamy on the hammered dulcimer, accompanied by Wendy Barlow on the harp, perform their music seamlessly with a unique sound and sensitivity.
Other entertainment includes Back Porch Swing Band, Limited Edition, Rave and the New Wave Cloggers.
For the children. The Children’s Workshop will offer craft classes for children in the Shaker Schoolhouse. Each day features a variety of one-hour classes for children six years and older. Class times and schedules are available at the schoolhouse.
A wide assortment of food vendors will serve traditional, as well as holiday favorites.
Hours. Hours for the festival are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine.
Daily general admission tickets will be on sale at the gate. General admission for adults is $5 per day and children 12 years old and under are admitted free of charge. Bus tours are welcome and group rates are available.
The festival location is on Route 7, one mile north of the intersection of state Route 14 in Columbiana, Ohio. The location is only minutes from the Ohio Turnpike and Pennsylvania State line.
For more information call 800-447-8201 or mail Linda McGaffic, Old-fashioned Christmas in the Woods, 481 Heller Street, Rochester, PA 15074, or phone 724- 728-7084.
Details can be obtained by e-mail at christmas@shakerwoods.com or by clicking on www.shakerwoods.com.
