49th Annual Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival

The Amish community is steeped in tradition.  One tradition at Amish Acres, a historic Amish farmstead and history center, is the Arts & Crafts Festival, now in its 49th year. This year’s festival will held August 4-7.  Click here for times and admission prices.

I’ve been to this festival at least three times. (I’ve kind of lost count.) Ladies, it’s generally one of those events where it might be best to leave your husband and children at home — unless they are into shopping. The usually serene Amish Acres landscape is turned into a bustling hive of mercantilism when more than 300 juried artists and crafters from over 30 states set up to display and sell their wares.

This festival is a great time to begin your holiday shopping. From doll clothes for your granddaughters to jewelry for your best friend to beautiful artwork for your home, you won’t be disappointed with the selection available. And if you get a little weary from all the shopping, the folks at Amish Acres will be serving up food from apple pie to zucchini bread.

Those who attend on Friday, August 5 are invited to stay and enjoy a free lawn concert by 50’s and 60’s band, The Van-Dells.  Other live entertainment will also be offered throughout the festival.

Just because I don’t bring my kids to the Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival doesn’t mean they aren’t welcome.  Children who attend will enjoy paddle boats on the Amish Acres lake and square dancing, as well.

However you go — girls getaway, family adventure, or just you by your lonesome, you won’t be sorry you went to the 49th Annual Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival.