(File photo) Susan’s Saw Scenes was among 130 vendors who filled the Warren High School and Middle School gymnasium and cafeteria during the 44th annual Warren Band Boosters Arts and Crafts Fair in 2023.

VINCENT — The Warren Local Band Boosters are preparing to host their 45th annual fall arts and crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Warren High School.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, and free for children 5 and under.

The fair has become a beloved tradition for the local community and out-of-town visitors, attracting hundreds of participants each year; the current Facebook page for the event suggests more than 2,000 people are interested in attending.

According to Steve Collins, director of the Color Guard and publicity manager for the fair, the event grows bigger each year.

“Many people come from as far away as Wintersville and Columbus to shop at this fair,” said Collins, “This event has become a tradition, an unmissable event for Christmas shopping and for collecting unique handmade objects.”

(File photo) Cayden Frontera, 6, gets his face painted by Valerie Gustafson of Happy Face Paint during the 43rd annual Band Booster Arts and Crafts Fair at Warren Middle School and Warren High School in 2022.

The fair is packed with more than 130 artisans ready to display their creations. The fair offers a diverse shopping experience that brings together unique crafts, home decor and seasonal items, offering something special to every visitor. Collins said 45 years ago the event started as a small gathering at a gym with a few local artisans and has now grown to fill two gyms and an additional hall, with each space overflowing with exhibitions of handicrafts and gifts for all members of the family.

Operated by the Band Boosters, the concession stand features home-cooked comfort food that gives visitors a welcome break from browsing and shopping. Menu items include chicken and noodles, hot dogs and taco salads, while the dessert table is filled to the brim with homemade cookies, cakes and pies, all made by the Warren Local Band Boosters.

“A lot of people bring their friends there or meet their friends and family there, they shop, then they go to the concession stand… They sit down and eat… then go back and start. a few more purchases, » » Collins said.

Students and parents of the Warren Local Band program play a key role in organizing and running the fair. Students in the group help vendors by unloading and setting up stalls on Friday evenings, running errands throughout the day, and helping with clean-up at the end. Proceeds from the event directly support the band, funding instruments, music, uniforms, accessories and travel expenses to competitions. The day before the fair, students help vendors unload and set up their booths, ensuring everything is ready for the Saturday fair. Throughout the event, students will lend a hand by assisting vendors, running errands, and delivering lunch orders to booths so vendors can stay near their displays without interruption. Ultimately, they help with cleaning.

To meet demand, the Warren Local Band Boosters launched a spring arts and crafts fair, now entering its ninth year. Held the first weekend in April, the spring event provides another opportunity for community members and visitors to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the craft market.