The Paulding Meadows Arts and Crafts Festival attracted thousands of people within the county for more than 30 years and this year should be no exception.

“It’s the biggest thing in the county and it draws over 31,000 people across two days,” said Dee McClain, one of the festival organizers.

This year’s festival, as in previous years, will feature vendors showcasing and selling various handcrafted items made from wood, metal, jewelry pieces, floral assortments, fabrics, collectibles, and miscellaneous items. The vendors’ displays will be specifically arranged to avoid repetition. To date, 202 of the 225 booths are sold, and expect to carry midrange priced items. Exhibitors are asked to submit two pictures of their product to prove handcrafting and quality. Eighty percent of exhibitors return to the festival year-to-year.

The festival will take place on Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $2 in advance and $3 at the entry gate. Children ages 12 and under are free of charge. There are no pets allowed in the park grounds during the festival hours.

There will also be entertainment throughout the weekend including school bands, country, bluegrass and gospel singers, and dance team exhibitions.

Paulding Festivals Incorporated coordinates the festival each year and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Its membership consists of 43 delegates from 11 nonprofit groups in Paulding County. Those groups are the Paulding County chapter of the ABWA; Dallas Woman’s Club; New Hope Girl Scouts; the Paulding County 4-H; Paulding County High School Math Teachers; Paulding County High School Band Boosters; Paulding County Rotary Club; Paulding County Civitans; Paulding County Chamber of Commerce; Scouters 773 Association; and the East Paulding High School Band Boosters. Each year, the organizations raised $2,000 each. They expect over 30,000 people in the upcoming weekend, a far cry from its humble beginnings.

The festival began in 1980 at Raccoon Creek, where it remained for two years. More than 1,500 people came out that year and the festival generated $200. The festival transferred to Hunts Meadow, where it expanded into its current form. Over the years, there was growth until the recent economic downturn, which slowed progress.

Ms. McClain said that it has provided leisure and an inexpensive outing for families.

“It’s been a good shot to a lot of people and good for the county as well,” said Ms. McClain.