BUTLER — One of the area’s much-anticipated events of the fall is fast approaching.
Starting this weekend, the Prairie Peddler Festival will set up shop along Ohio 97 just outside Butler. This hand-made marketplace gives patrons a one-of-a-kind experience with over 180 artisan booths offering a variety of goods for purchase in a peaceful, wooded setting.
The event has a “unique ambiance,” harkening to an earlier time, said festival coordinator Mandie Willis.
Each year there’s a good mix of new and returning vendors, each of which dress in late-1800s period clothing, Willis said.
There’s also live music, food, and several activities for children and families, including a petting zoo, pony rides and horse-drawn wagon rides. All proceeds from children’s activities in the “Kidzone” benefit the American Cancer Society.
Scooters and wagons will be available for rent to make traversing the grounds easier.
“One of the aspects that we love is that it involves the community,” Willis said.
The Butler Lions Club, for instance, sells food and Crossroads Community Church helps with parking to raise money for mission trips.
The four-day event typically draws about 25,000 people.
At noon on Saturdays, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, an auction featuring items donated by some of the vendors will take place. Proceeds benefit the Domestic Violence Shelter in Mansfield.
The Prairie Peddler Festival takes place rain or shine Sept. 24 and 25 and Oct. 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3170 Ohio 97. Admission costs $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 may attend free of charge.
For more information, visit www.shopthepeddler.com.
