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LOGAN - If you enjoy sunshine and crafts, come spend a fun-filled Saturday in northwest Kansas on Highway 9. The town of Logan, home to the renovated Hansen Museum, hosts one of the best arts and crafts fairs in Kansas.
Join the festivities on Saturday, August 19, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., when more than 57 artisans and crafters from Kansas and the surrounding states will turn the Hansen Plaza into a shopper’s paradise.
There is no admission charge.
The day kicks off with a 5K Run and 2 Mile Fun Walk. Registration and T-shirt pickup begin at 7:00 a.m. at the corner of Douglas and Main. The 5K Run starts at 8:00 a.m. with the 2 Mile Walk to follow at 8:15 a.m. All registration fees will be given to Phillips County Hospice Services. Download a registration form at hansenmuseum.org/5k-run2-mile-fun-walk/ or call the museum to sign up.
After the race, cool off in the shade and check out the crafty offerings as every booth opens for business at 9:00 a.m. Food vendors fill the air with tantalizing smells as they prepare delicious foods such as hamburgers, bratwursts, turkey and noodles, pies, barbeque, walking tacos, snow cones, kettle corn, and more. There is something tasty for every palette. Also, at 9:00 a.m., Inflate-o-Fun will be ready to entertain the children with an obstacle course, meltdown game and a jump/slide combo.
For your listening pleasure, live music on two stages can be enjoyed throughout the day. The south stage will showcase the talents of “Formerly Three” at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. alternating with “The Bent Fork Band” entertaining from the north stage at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Artisans presenting their skills around the Plaza Square throughout the day include Joy of Painting instructor Sandra Seamone; caricature sketches by Brooke Werner; basket weaving by Marsha Jensen; wheel throwing techniques on the potter’s wheel by Rodney Zimmerman; weaver Sally Brandon; pen and ink artist Julie Peterson-Shea; and fast draw shooting with the Deer Creek Regulators.
Amble across the street to the Logan Library where you can watch Janie Lowry’s Disappearing Quilts Keep Showing Up demonstration at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On the other end of the block, Iowa chainsaw artist, Blair Smith, will astonish you with his chainsaw artistry. Blair is scheduled to carve at the service station at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Be sure to stop and watch his amazing talent. Two of his incredible sculptures will be given away in drawings at 10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Please take time to step inside the museum and meander through the gallery. On display is Sean Kenney’s Animal Super Powers exhibition, sculptures made with LEGO bricks. This exhibit is a crowd-pleaser, so make sure to stop in the gallery for a look.
While inside, check out the membership table to purchase or renew your Hansen Museum membership. Purchasing a membership during the Arts & Crafts Fair automatically enters you in the Hansen Bucks drawings (Hansen Bucks can be spent just like cash at all Arts and Crafts Fair vendors). Hansen Bucks worth $500 will be given away in drawings held at 10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Remember to stick around because you must be present to win and spend these bucks!
The highlight of the day will be the selection of 12 new winners (and two alternates) of the coveted “Artist of the Month” award. The crafters are judged for uniqueness, quality of craft, and display. Winners announced at 2:45 p.m. with prizes and photos to follow the fair’s 3:00 p.m. closing.
Join us for the 49th Annual Hansen Arts & Crafts Fair, Saturday, August 19, 2023, on the beautiful Hansen Plaza in downtown Logan. Come hungry, bring your wallet, and wear your walking shoes. You’ll leave with a smile.