Dexter Pioneer Arts Fair Returns to Creekside Intermediate School on Saturday

For anyone looking for an escape from modern day technology, the Dexter Pioneer Arts Fair is the place to be.

The 40th annual fair will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Creekside Intermediate School. It will feature more than 50 local and area artisans demonstrating and selling their traditional folk crafts.

A wide variety of crafts will be represented, from loom weaving, spinning, and painting, to pottery, jewelry, and woodcarving.

Among the Dexter area artists exhibiting are Pam O'Hara of Artistica, who will showcase stoneware pottery, Scio Township Treasurer Donna Palmer, who will showcase hand caning, and Mary Ann Simpkins, who will showcase knitting.

"The show is a lot of fun," O'Hara said. "It's local and it helps benefit the Dexter Area Historical Society. I see it as my way of giving back to the community."

O'Hara said she will have a table with clay projects available for children and adults to play with.

"Usually people come and watch me throw clay, but this year I wanted to offer something more hands-on for kids," she said.

Simpkins, who owns Mary Ann's Country Store on Alpine Street in downtown Dexter, has been attending the fair for nine years.

"It's nice that (the organizers) brought it back this year," she said. "Last year it was cancellled due to the tornado."

Simpkins said she will demonstrate how to knit socks and create picture books at the fair.

In addition to the crafts, a raffle for a carved wooden bowl, crocheted “Lord’s Prayer” tapestrys, soap and oils basket, and a stoneware pottery piece will be available.

A children's table and bake sale will also be available.

The fair is sponsored by the Dexter Area Historical Society and Museum, and proceeds support the work of the society and maintenance of the Dexter Area Historical Museum.

Admission is $3 for adults and 50 cents for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

For more information about the Pioneer Arts Fair, visit www.dextermuseum.org.