The 19th annual Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods, at Shaker Woods, in Columbiana, Ohio, will be held October 12-13 and 19-20, 2013. The festival will host more than 200 quality craftspeople and artisans. In a manicured, wooded setting, juried costumed crafters will have their booths decorated in an old-fashioned holiday theme. The exhibitors will demonstrate their crafts and sell a wide selection of handmade holiday items, as well as traditional crafts. The level grounds feature gravel footpaths for easy walking and access to acres of free parking.
Many favorite craftspeople are returning for the Christmas show. Holiday craft items, decorations and handcrafted Christmas ornaments are featured at the festival, as well as holiday clothing, wreaths and floral arrangements. Traditional crafters include candle makers, leatherworkers, woodworkers, doll makers and basket weavers. Hand-thrown pottery and iron and stone work will also be available at the festival.
“This year we host our largest number of quality craftspeople ever complemented by an exciting line-up of entertainers,” said Ken McGaffic who, along with wife Linda, are promoters of the event. “We are always looking for unique crafts rather than just more of the same. We believe the reputation of the show attracts the best and allows us to be selective. Our attendees will be impressed not only with the number but the assortment of crafts available.”
B.E. Taylor will return to Christmas in the Woods. He will perform all four days on the newly expanded Meeting House Stage. Known for his B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert, which has captivated sold-out audiences in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the Midwest for more than 10 years, he will perform music from his two critically-acclaimed Christmas CDs and original music from his other CDs.
Performing on the Garden Stage October 12 & 13 will be New Castle native Nina Sainato. She has been performing in the tri-state area since the age of 6. A classical piano prodigy and composer, her resume displays a mass of recitals and summits, claiming several state and regional titles as well as acceptance into Governor’s School of Excellence for the Performing Arts. In 2011, she released a Christmas album titled “Holly & Ivory”- 5 holiday songs with a rock twist, one of which is a duet with the legendary Donnie Iris, and 5 piano instrumentals.
Also returning to Christmas in the Woods is teen sensation Vanessa Campagna, slated for the second weekend. Her explosive stage personality has made her a fan favorite and catapulted her to national attention. Vanessa was chosen out of 24,000 youngsters to appear on CBS’s Star Search. Since then, she has performed with some of the greatest artists in the music industry, including Reba, Wynona, Tricia Yearwood, Vince Gill, Clint Black and Dierks Bentley. She has also performed with rockers Rick Springfield and Donnie Iris. Vanessa will be performing on the Garden Stage October 19 & 20.
The Cedar Valley Cloggers from Wooster Ohio, performing October 12, is an organization fostering the preservation of traditional Appalachian clogging. Traditional old time fiddle music and old time costumes are used for performances.
Performing October 13 at the Simple Gifts Stage is The Ambridge Area High School Steel Drum Band. Under the direction of Todd Hartman, this entertaining group received national recognition for its outstanding musical ability, unique style, and infectious energy. The band has shared the Heinz Hall stage with the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops and has appeared annually in B.E. Taylor’s popular Christmas show.
The Beaver Creek Band returns October 19 & 20 with its own blend of traditional acoustic music. This bluegrass group will present songs featuring beautiful vocal harmonies accompanied by the banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass and mandolin.
Rounding out the entertainment line-up are Renaissance Rhythm Chorus, a dynamic women’s chorus affiliated with the Sweet Adelines International; Jive, a Sweet Adeline quartet that brings years of harmonizing experience together to create their unique brand of entertainment; and Bob Bellamy performing on Hammered Dulcimer.
A wide variety of food vendors will serve traditional and holiday favorites. Holiday baked goods and candies will also be available.
Country Living Magazine featured “Old Fashioned Christmas in the Woods” as one of the premier craft festival destinations in the United States, introducing 11 million readers to this holiday tradition.
Hours for the festival are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. Daily general admission tickets will be on sale at the gate. General admission for adults is $7.00 per day. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. There is no additional charge for entertainment. Bus tours are welcome, and group rates are available.
For more information go to Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods Festival’s website: www.christmasohio.com. The site includes a complete program, driving directions and articles, in addition to a layout of the grounds at Shaker Woods. Or follow us on Facebook.
The festival provides acres of free parking. No pets or alcoholic beverages are permitted on festival grounds. Strollers are not recommended. The festival location is 44337 County Line Road (just off Rt. 7) Columbiana, Ohio 44408, one mile north of the intersection of State Route 14. The location is only minutes from the Ohio Turnpike and the Pennsylvania State Line.
For more information, contact Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods, Inc. at 433 State Avenue, Beaver, Pa. 15009, 724-774-6341. E-mail address: christmas@mcgaffic.com.
