It's a family affair! Community family, that is. The Mountain State Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival started in 1972 and is supported by several non-profit community organizations. The Jefferson County 4-H Leaders Association collects the money, the Boy Scouts help to keep the grounds free of litter, the Good Shepherd Caregivers take care of parking, and the Jefferson County Fire and Rescue ensures an ambulance is on site for the full three-day event. In return, proceeds from the events are donated back to the community's non-profit organizations. The festival this year boasted about 180 vendors.

What's the process for becoming a vendor at this event? The first step is submitting an application, available online or by writing to the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. The application requires an identification of the art or craft to be presented and requires an explanation of the technique used to create the products. Once the applications are in, in December each year, vendors are notified of the January juring date. No assessments by slides or photographs are permitted; vendors have to appear in person with their products. All the products have to all be hand-made and the jurors look for quality.

We all know what juries are - a group of people sworn to judge and give a verdict; to evaluate. I don't imagine juries for arts and crafts shows have to swear to anything, but they do evaluate quality. Bottom line - the arts and crafts shows that impose a jury system on vendors are usually those shows that have better quality products. Some of the vendors demonstrate their process on site at the show.

I saw two different vendors demonstrating the art of making wooden bowls the old-fashioned way. I saw Joseph Bourgeois and his son hand-carving intricate designs into basswood boxes, stools, coasters, and other items. I've been to several of these events this past year, and I see many of the same types of products for sale, but I also always manage to meet someone with a little different take on things.

Case in point: Garton Originals, beautiful, hand-carved products inspired by West Virginia's wildlife and other natural wonders. Dr. Garton, a graduate of Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, puts his knowledge of animal anatomy to good use. The animals are surprisingly realistic, have great expressions in their faces, and are incredibly detailed. John Garton and Joe Adkins, who also helps craft these items, have a real sense of humor.

One statue I liked was the wolf with a sheepskin on his back - a take on the old saying "wolf in sheep's clothing". Joe explained how handy this statue is and offered a suggested use. Under the sheepskin is a switch to power a battery which lights up the wolf's eyes. When visitors overstay their welcome, Joe suggested secretly turning the switch on to make the wolf's eyes glow - the premise being that the unwelcome visitors will take the earliest opportunity to leave.

All in all, there are quite a few vendors offering a range of products. There's music, with seating; there are free rides on golf carts for the disabled and seniors; and there is plenty of parking that's close to the entrance. The festival will also be held 25-27 September, so there's a second chance to visit.

The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce web site, jeffersoncountywvchamber.org, has information on the festival, a printable coupon for a discount on admission, and directions to the festival.