BUTLER — Autumn has always been my favorite time of year.

Leaves begin to change, the temperature dip is welcome, football season dominates every weekend, and Prairie Peddler signals the turn toward the holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

When I first came to Mansfield, 36 years ago, and looking for events to attend, my parents drove up from Heath and took me to Prairie Peddler for the first time. I loved it!

I’m not much of a crafts person, but the energy, the live music, and the food completed a fascinating event nestled in a wilderness scene just outside of Butler.

For those of you who do enjoy crafts, this event is mecca.

Prairie Peddler will take place over the next two weekends, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27; and again on Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4.

Pro tip: If you’re not a football fan, plan your visit when the Buckeyes or Browns are playing. Lots of folks in our region are, and will go before or after, but not during those games. The crowd might not be as thick when those teams are in action.

The Buckeyes play Illinois at noon on Saturday, Sept. 26, and are at Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 3:30 p.m. The Browns play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m., then have a Thursday date with the Steelers on Oct. 1, so there is no conflict on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Prairie Peddler is a unique, outdoor marketplace featuring 220 artisan booths brimming with handmade goods for the home, bath & body, clothing, accessories and more.

Nearly 30 food vendors will be on site. My wife is partial to the roast beef sandwiches. I like the chicken and biscuits. There’s also wood-fired pizza, French fries, and a vast array of fair-type fare.

In addition, there will be live music and family-friendly activities for youngsters including pony rides, magic shows, and horse-drawn wagon rides.

Admission is $12, or $3 for kids 6 to 12. Free parking and golf cart shuttle rides are available. Organizers advise bringing cash for easy shopping.

While service dogs are welcome, visitors should leave the pets at home.