By Stephanie Edwards

For 33 years, Gatlinburg has hosted the Craftsmen’s Fair.

This year’s fair is being held from July 18-27 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, at traffic light #8 on the Parkway.

Festival goers will enjoy viewing exhibitions and demonstrations by more than 200 craftspeople.

Craftsmen are selected by a jury based on their work quality and unusual skills.

Most of the participants, about 80 percent, are area favorites who return year after year.

However, the event coordinators try to include some new craftsmen each year so that their is something new and exciting for guests.

The fair offers visitors the opportunity to purchase some unique gifts that their family members and friends are sure to enjoy.

Featured artists include the following:

•David and Tammie Ogle, who carry on their family tradition of making handmade brooms with beautifully carved handles
•Sandy Hensley, who creates sleek handcrafted jewelry
•Nancy Wilson, who makes American folk art pieces, created from old furniture, decorations, leather, wood carvings and toys
After guests have shopped to their hearts’ content, they can enjoy the country, bluegrass and gospel music performances by Keith Longbotham and Dennis Lee and Band.

Event planners, Sam and Tracey Large, developed the fair, which encompasses three decades of dedication, coordination and planning.

"We are so fortunate to be able to offer such a wide variety of talents and products for our visitors to enjoy. We take great pride in the quality level of our craftspeople,” said event planners Sam and Tracey Large.

Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Music shows will be held at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and younger.

For more information call (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com.