Artisans and craftsmen offered a spot at the Old Time Music Festival

Artisans and craftsmen will have the chance to sell their wares to thousands of Le Mars visitors during the 2009 Old Time Music, Arts and Crafts Festival in Le Mars late this summer.

The National Traditional Country Music Association, which sponsors the 34th Annual Old Time Music, Arts, and Crafts Festival, in Le Mars, Aug. 31-Sept. 6, announced, "We've made some changes in our arts and crafts policy to make it possible for anyone who is an artisan or craftsman in the state of Iowa to participate in our annual festival of rural music, arts, crafts, and pioneer lifestyle, without huge expenditures."

The festival takes place at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds and attracts thousands of potential buyers of arts products every year.

According to Bob Everhart, President of the NTCMA, "They've been doing this for years now, 34 years to be exact. This year we are going to make it possible for just about anyone in arts and crafts to participate in our event. By lowering our participation fees, we feel we can provide a viable outlet for any art or craft, and at the same time expose those same people to a part of America's true rural lifestyle, appreciation, and musical entertainment."

The NTCMA, which sponsors the Pioneer Exposition of Arts and Crafts, announced they will sub-let space at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds for $10 per day with a four-day minimum (inside a locked building at night). The artisan can pick their own four days.

"For that amount of money, we don't even make back the space allocation we've already paid in rental fees," said Everhart, "but we've received a grant from the LeMars Motel/Hotel tax that will allow us to take a loss in some areas, especially if it is helpful to Iowa artisans and craftsmen. We want to share what we are doing with whoever wants to participate, so this is an excellent opportunity for anyone in the arts. We have been quite successful with items of a pioneer nature, especially quilts, hand-made toys, wooden items, etc. It's a time of year when 'bargain's' appeal to the regular folks of Iowa, and wise Iowan's know the Christmas season is just around the corner. The economic down-turn can be reversed, but not without a little help, and we are helping."

There are a number of large buildings at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds, and the NTCMA has also offered the same proposition to anyone wishing to set up 10' by 10' canopies in the middle of their festival operation. Applications must be submitted before space is allocated. They can be obtained by writing the NTCMA, P.O. Box 492, Anita, Iowa, 50020.

The festival has become an oasis for traditional music performers and fans with something like 600 participating musicians from around the world.