Arts, crafts, farmers' market, entertainment, food, pony rides, llamas, kids train rides...all downtown Saturday
Bluffton's annual family-oriented spring arts and crafts show is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 12, in downtown Bluffton. The 41st annual show, sponsored by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, offers several family-oriented activities.
Over 60 craft and business booth displays will line Main Street Bluffton from the post office to the town hall. Craft displays range from jewelry, yard art, paintings, sand art for kids, antiques, plants and rugs.
Jerry Burkholder is the director of the crafts exhibit portion of the event and has served in this volunteer role for many years.
Animal attractions includes a llama exhibit from Hard Rock Llama Co., Ada; pony rides from Hinkle Pony Ride, Mt. Blanchard; and a display of dogs up for adoption from TLU Rescue, Bluffton.
New to this year's show is the addition of the Pumpkin Vine Railroad, Arcadia, which is a kid's train ride.
Various local food vendors include kettle popcorn, homemade ice cream, carnival food, a church lawn food booth, senior citizens lunch and an international food booth.
Bluffton farmers' market featuring homegrown vegetables, pies, cookies, jellies and plants will be part of the show from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
Over 15 Bluffton chamber member businesses will also have booths to display their products and services. Many Bluffton Main Street businesses will have sidewalk sales during the show.
The Bluffton High School jazz band will perform at 10:30 a.m. on Cherry and Main.
The annual event is a Bluffton chamber fundraiser. In the past year the chamber lead a downtown Bluffton effort for new Christmas lights and garland. That project cost nearly $25,000 paid by Bluffton businesses and the chamber. Proceeds from the show assist in payment toward the Christmas lights project.
Streets closed
oMain Street will be closed at 5 a.m., Saturday morning from Elm Street to the farmers' market.
oElm Street will be closed from Main to the alley behind the town hall. oVine Street will be closed from Main to the alley at Jeanne's Kitchen. oChurch Street will be closed from Main to the alley at Citizens National Bank.
oCherry Street will be closed from Main to the alley behind Common Grounds.
Vehicles must be off Main Street and the side streets listed above after midnight on Friday.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Village meetings announced, Feb. 18-25
- Bluffton K-12 schools cancelled on February 13
- Bluffton Beavers sports roundup, Feb. 5-11
- Bluffton American Legion Post 382 sponsors local students in Buckeye Boys State and Buckeye Girls State programs
- Allen County flu season update
- Applications available for Hancock Youth Leadership Class of 2026
- Feb. 18 Lions program to feature Ryn Farmer
- Going Viral: Health and the quad-demic
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
- Winter Weather Advisory for Wednesday-Thursday
- Pirate boys basketball win vs. Elida
- Pirate girls basketball victory vs. Bath
- Recap of February 2025 Bluffton School Board Meeting
- Bluffton University to host Readers Theatre on Feb. 16
- Student Senate candidates to debate at Forum
- Bluffton University fall 2024 Dean’s List
- Haitian painter spotlighted in fair trade shop
- Cory-Rawson Green & Gold Foundation Fund reaches milestone
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
- Ed Reichenbach was a State Farm insurance agent
- Join C-R superintendent for indoor walks on Wednesdays
- Taking name suggestions for new Bluffton Park through February 23
- Ryan Turner named next Bluffton University head golf coach
- February 14 Chamber breakfast to feature Southgate Lanes
- BHS Academic Team wins 2025 Ada Invitational Quiz Bowl