By MATT LINDSEY

MORRISTOWN -- Mare’s Wares arts festival will return July 1 for its eighth year, featuring artisans, authors, musicians, demonstrators, food and more from across the North Country and beyond.

“Last year we had over 3,000 people waling down each side of the road in 90 degree weather…so this event has really grown over the years and even draws visitors from Canada,” MaryAnn Evans, an event co-organizer and owner of Mare's Wares said.

In addition to upwards of 100 art and craft vendors, local artisans will be offering demonstrations of their various crafts.

From noon to 8 p.m., works on display will include pottery, glass, wood, jewelry, textiles, gourmet comestibles, body care, flat works and photography, along with children’s activities, live music, sculpture, and demonstrations.

A few examples of vendors include potter Ron Larson, portrait artist Paula Towne and Saratoga Crackers.

“Saratoga Crackers are travelling a long distance just to be here…their products have no preservative or artificial ingredients,” Evans said.

Ian Coristine, a photographer and an author, will be at the front gate signing his latest book “1,000 Islands” from noon to 2 p.m. The book of photography is a ‘visual exploration of the area that we live in,” Evans said.

Ogdensburg children’s author Barbara Briggs Ward will have a booth for the first time. She has written “The Reindeer Keeper” and “The Snowman Maker.”

The event will include children’s authors, puppet shows, pony rides and a large group mural on which guests may add their own colorful creative imaginings.

Bands will perform all day. The Loons of Black Lake will perform from noon until 1 p.m., The Havens hit the stage from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m., Annie in the Water will play from 3 until 5 p.m., the Paul Baldwin Blues Band from 5 to 8 p.m. and Juggernaught Agenda is slated for an 8 p.m. performance.

“Anne in the Water is new this year…they are based in Albany and play an acoustic, eclectic, high-energy show that is a mix of blues, funk and bluegass,” she said.

They write their own music, a lot of it about the river, and play positive upbeat music at outdoor festivals all over, Evans said.

In-between performances there will be Zumba and Tai Chi demonstrations.

Seaway Smokehouse will make their festival debut offering their ribs, pulled pork and brisket products.

“So far we have six wineries who will attend…and people love wine,” Evans said.

River Myst, Otter Creek, Coyote Moon, Bella Brooke, Thousand Islands and Venditti wineries/vineyards will offer their products.

The event is handicap accessible with handicap parking. Volunteers will drive on golf carts those that cannot walk and wait for them while they check out the show.

More info: 375-8215 or “Mare’s Wares Arts Fest” on Facebook.