Special to The Signal

The tantalizing aroma of hickory and pine, the smell of candles and herbs, the sound of merry chatter and laughter have all become a permanent part of Calico Fort Arts and Crafts Fair in Fort Deposit, Alabama.

The 36th annual Calico Fort is planned to be bigger and better than ever.

Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, visitors of every age will find something to see, to buy, to learn and to enjoy.

Exhibitors, approximately 200 from ten states including Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Georgia, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida and every part of Alabama, have been specially selected to represent the best artisans and craftsmen in their respective areas.

One can expect to find hand-sewing, painted clothing, word works, leather goods, rattlesnake skin accessories, stained and beveled glass, pottery, garden statuary, wind chimes, toys of every sort, a variety of candles, jewelry designs, pine needle and basket weaving, rocker-less chairs, furniture in cypress, twig and vine, bird houses, oil, pen and ink and pastel art and plants of all kinds.

Special attractions include blacksmiths demonstrating their talents, an exhibitor who will demonstrate the fine art of producing delicious home-made ice cream using, as power, a John Deere tractor motor, old fashioned fried apple pies, and soup, dip and dessert mixes.

A special Children's Area will include pony rides, train rides, a petting zoo, face painting, a moonwalk, hermit crabs and other exhibitors whose talents are tempting to the little ones.

Food, food and more food will be a special treat as the men and women of Fort Deposit prepare tons of hickory-smoked barbecued chicken and old-fashioned hand-pulled pork barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, catfish nuggets and sweet confections of every sort.

Continuous entertainment is always present in the Fort's natural amphitheater.

Featured attractions will include The Southern Comfort Blue Grass Band, the Southern Gentlemen Gospel Singers, Ashley Paige of WAKA, Hank Williams' impersonator Ricky Fitzgerald, Blu Braden and Big Elvis, and are all scheduled during the two-day event.

Fort Deposit is located thirty miles south of Montgomery and 15 miles north of Greenville just off I-65 at mile marker No. 142.

Signs will mark the route from the interstate into the Fort. Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and admission is $4 for adults and $1 for children.

Make plans now to join in the fun of the 36th annual event on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15.