For 51 years craft enthusiasts have gathered in Beersheba Springs for the Arts and Crafts Festival held on the Methodist Assembly grounds. The two-day festival is filled with approximately 150 exhibitors, food vendors and entertainment. 
Each year is different, with many returning vendors on hand to greet old friends, and some new ones hoping to make new contacts. Either way, it’s a fun, relaxing environment suited for everyone.
Mississippi residents Tressia Lane and Pam Allen exhibited for the second year selling their unique, hand-painted hanging letters.
“It’s beautiful here, perfect for a festival,” said Allen. “The people are so friendly, we will definitely be back.”
On the other end of the spectrum, potter Phil Mayhew has been part of the fair for 45 years.
“September 1965 changed my life, as I discovered I loved the ceramics art,” said Mayhew. “I love it just as much now as I did then.”
Some of Mayhew’s earliest memories are of the Methodist Assembly when his father was a minister there. He remembers loving Beersheba Springs then, and vowing he would someday return to live. He and his wife own and operate Beersheba Porcelain, which is located near the assembly.
First-time exhibiter Adriann Fann has be crafting for three years, and felt it was time to try the popular show. Her business called Boots and Bows Crafts features assorted wreaths, rustic painted items, burlap signs and repurposed items.
“This show has been good for me, and a good experience,” said Fann.
Perhaps one of the more unique vendors utilized the tiny house idea by having a tiny workshop.
Portland residents and first-time Beersheba exhibitors Mary Lingo and daughter Bailey Robertson pulled their workshop on the grounds, opened the doors, set out a few racks and started selling.
The aqua house trimmed in bright pink was both attractive and eye-catching, providing the perfect place to showcase their unique clothing and monogramed items.
“We have been doing this for some time, and after last year’s rainy season, we decided to come up with something else,” said Lingo. “We came up with the tiny house, a really cute solution to our dilemma.
Proceeds from the festival are used for the Beersheba Springs Library, Rescue Squad, Community Center, Grundy County Center for Exceptional Citizens, North Elementary School and food baskets.
The current fair board members are Melissa Scruggs, Tim and Cardelia Spicer, Ramona Forsyth and Logan Thompson.