LAWRENCE TWP. – More than 200 artisans and crafters will return to the shaded-wooded landscape of Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park this weekend, transforming the family resort into a pioneer world.
The 52nd annual Yankee Peddler Festival returns to Clay’s Resort on Sept. 6 for three weekends filled with traditional crafters and artisans, entertainers and a variety of tasty dishes cooked over an open fire.
The first event was held on just eight acres of the park to celebrate the country’s bicentennial. The festival has grown to encompass 75 acres of Clay’s Resort, drawing an increasing number of artists and even more visitors from across the country.
“The Yankee Peddler Festival has been part of Clay’s Park’s identity for decades, and we’re proud to continue that partnership,” Clay’s Resort general manager Stephanie Axtell said. “The organizers put on such a unique and authentic event, with an incredible variety of vendors and delicious foods that guests rave about year after year. It’s always well-received by campers. Many book specifically so they can enjoy both the festival and the resort experience in one weekend. It’s truly a special tradition for both the community and our property.”
Organizer Frank Cajka is expecting a great weekend, saying that the cooler temperatures will make for an enjoyable event.
The festival is welcoming new artists, including the McCune family from the Warren area. The McCunes were a late addition to last year’s festival.
The family will demonstrate their glass-blowing skills and create some made-to-order pieces for guests, Cajka said.
“We have more and more artists and crafters this year,” he said. “We are starting to see a comeback (from the pandemic). We had one or two potters last year and this year we have five or six. It takes some time, at least in the arts and crafts market, to recover.”
From pottery to metal fabrication to baked goods, Yankee Peddler recreates pioneer America. There are covered wagons, blacksmiths and militia. A town crier keeps guests informed about upcoming events, including the raising and lowering of the flag, medicine shows, and other forms of entertainment.
Master crafters and artists demonstrate their craft, including blacksmiths, spinners and weavers, and candlemakers.
There’s a hearty offering of food such as turkey legs, apple fritters, bean soup, Indian tacos, fish and chips, beef jerky, wood-fired pizzas, Reuben sandwiches, and gourmet apples.
For those looking for something a little more modern, guests can visit Yankee Peddler Toady, which showcases arts and crafts through the 21st century.
Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.
If you go
What: The 52nd annual Yankee Peddler Festival and 20th annual Yankee Peddler Today Festival
When: Sept. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. rain or shine.
Where: Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park, 12951 Patterson St. NW, Lawrence Township
Tickets: Tickets purchased at the gate are $11 for general admission, $10 for those 60 and older and $3 for children 6 to 11. Discounted tickets are available online at www.YankeePeddlerFestival.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Celebrating history: Yankee Peddler Festival returns to Clay’s Resort for 52nd year
Reporting by Amy L. Knapp, Massillon Independent / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
