Rivertown Craft Fair kicks off Downtown DeLand's fall fests

By Sarahrose Ministeri
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Sep 11, 2008 - 5:45:37pm

Fall is on the way! DeLandites know the fall season not only brings much needed relief from sweltering temperatures, afternoon showers and the threat of tropical storms, it brings the most anticipated outdoor events of the year.

On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21, the MainStreet DeLand Association will welcome fall (which officially begins Monday, Sept. 22) with the annual Rivertown Craft Fair.

More than 100 crafters will display and sell handmade goods in the heart of Downtown. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., vendor tents will line Woodland Boulevard from Howry to Wisconsin avenues.

"It's going to bring thousands of people to town," said MainStreet DeLand's executive director, Jack Becker. "My wife and I have been coming to the fair every year since we moved to town."

In addition to shopping or admiring a variety of goods, from clothing to pottery and more, visitors can enjoy live music by Carlos David 1-3 p.m. on West Indiana Avenue. Featured crafters will be performing live demonstrations, and there will be a play area for the kids, and more.

Don't be alarmed when you see a guy with a chain saw on the street. He is (we hope) well-known chain-saw sculptor Sam Knowles of DeLeon Springs.

For 17 years, Knowles has been carving works of art with his chain saw. He will be demonstrating his medium at this year's fair.

"Florida wildlife is my specialty," Knowles said.

Knowles uses his chain saw to transform giant logs into alligators, birds and other creatures. He enjoys doing live demonstrations, so he's looking forward to this year's Craft Fair.

"When I get a bunch of people gathered around, I really have to be on my game," Knowles said.

Downtown merchant Sandy Chavez, owner of Lace and Accessories, is looking forward to all the foot traffic the fair will bring to Downtown.

"I get excited about the fair every year. I love it," Chavez said.

Chavez is also the event volunteer chair.

The Rivertown Craft Fair kicks off a season of fall activities. To learn about upcoming events in and around West Volusia, check The Beacon's Weekend edition calendar section or go to www.beacononlinenews.com and click on Calendar of Events.

Peace Pole dedication

This weekend also bring the dedication of a Peace Pole in DeLand.

The DeLand Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and Casa Montessori invite the community to a Peace Pole dedication 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Casa Montessori, 217 N. Stone St.

The Peace Pole displays the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in a different language on each side. The message is referred to as a peace prayer. The Peace Pole Project was started in Japan in 1955. Since then, more than 200,000 have been placed around the world, in 180 countries.

Following the dedication, there will be a reception in the Friends Meeting room at Casa Montessori. All are welcome.

For more information, call Jim Cain at (386) 738-1029.

— info@beacononlinenews.com

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