ROGERS (KFSM) - Thousands of people were in Benton County Saturday (Oct.18) for the 61st annual War Eagle Fair. It's the oldest and largest of the three fairs held in War Eagle each October.
Many people come to shop for unique arts and crafts. "We have everything from jewelry,clothing, and pottery, "said Social Media Coordinator Cole Seal. About 250 vendors from all over the Midwest come to the area to showcase their products.
For 61 years, this is one of the largest crowds that organizers have seen. According to Seal, "By the end of day, we have already hit the 150,000 mark." And all of this started with Cole's great grandmother. "She just really wanted to give arts and crafts vendors a space to show their products and to be recognized for them," said Seal.
Ever since, vendors and customers keep coming back to enjoy the food, shop many different crafts, and to enjoy the atmosphere. "I love the view of the scenery, its beauiful," said customer Lorenda Patterson.
Patterson is from Oklahoma and has come to the War Eagle craft fair with her family for about ten years. "They have a lot of neat stuff," said Patterson. "I buy a lot of things for our house and then I buy a carrier for my dog," said Patterson.
And this year, the weather is making a big difference in the number of people coming. "It's been beauiful every day, it's been warm and the sun has been shining," said Seal.
The fair opens at 8 a.m. Sunday (Oct.19) and wraps up at 4 p.m. Admission to the fair is free. Parking is three dollars.