One of the oldest, largest and most popular arts and crafts fairs in the south will be held for the 43rd time April 12-13 at Calico Fort in Fort Deposit.
The Fort Deposit Arts Council sponsors the event.
“We have an outstanding list of exhibitors this year, a lot of new ones from all over the southeast,” said Frieda Cross, president of the arts council. “We encourage everyone to come out this year and enjoy the unique exhibitor items and the family friendly environment.”
Exhibitors from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Alabama have been specially selected to represent the best artisans and craftsmen in their respective areas.
One can expect to find hand sewing, painted clothing, woodworking, leather goods, stained, beveled and fused glass, pottery, garden statuary, wind chimes, toys of every sort, jewelry designers, rocking chairs, bird houses, watercolor, oil, pen and ink, pastel art and plants of all kinds.
The Butler County Humane Society will have a booth near Gate Six for pet sitting for a fee. Pets will also be available for adoption. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society.
Cross said a lot of people like to bring their pets to the fair, but they can’t bring them in as a safety precaution to the visitors and the pets.  She said with the pet-sitting booth they can drop their pets off and enjoy the fair.
The children’s area will feature pony rides, clowns, face painting, a rock climbing wall, a bungee jump, a water wobble, a petting zoo sponsored by Mclane Garrett Cattle Company and Mid State Stockyard and many other exhibitors.
There will be continuous entertainment, both days, in the Fort’s natural amphitheater. Featured performers include Dave Fox, Silver Creek, Max Conway, Barber Shop Chorus, Caleb Luckie, Cade Tillery and many more entertainers.
The Amateur Radio W4C Special Events Station will also be back this year, as will a miniature logging demonstration created by an enthusiastic logger from Washington.
A new attraction to the event will be Alton Hall’s flint knapping exhibit. Hall creates and demonstrates everything from arrowheads, spears, arrows, knives and much more. Hall will also be on hand to answer questions about the artistry.
There will be hand pulled bar-b-que plates, bar-b-que chicken plates, funnel cakes and homemade ice cream. And the men and women of Fort Deposit will prepare hot dogs, hamburgers and sweet confections of every kind.
“There is truly something for everyone at Calico Fort,” said Cross. “The most fascinating part of the event is the creativity and ideas that each exhibitor demonstrates. Our exhibitors are so talented and creative. We invite everyone to come out and have a good time.”
The gates open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults, $1 for children, children 12 and under get in free. All military personnel will receive free admission with proof of military ID.
The proceeds raised from the event will be used to fund the numerous projects of the arts council.