No. 1 in Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows Shaker Woods Festival
The Shaker Woods Festival features some of the top artisans and crafters from throughout the United States in a setting that Lana Wilt describes as a magical forest.
Wilt and her husband, Rob, are honored to have their show at the top of the Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows category in Sunshine Artist’s 200 Best for 2026. “Our crafters and artisans have made this possible for us, and we truly thank each and every one of them,” she said.
The festival is getting ready to celebrate its 45th year. “My parents, Sue and Sam Ferguson, started the show and believe me — it took many years to reach what the show is today,” Wilt said. “They started off with 52 local crafters. There were only a few food booths, and the sounds of music were not filling the woods.”
Pathways were created with wood chips and straw. It took three years to get the woods to full capacity and five years to gravel the pathways. Wilt said 152 (eight tons each) dump truck loads of gravel were needed to fill the roadways. Each year, more gravel is added to make walking on them easy.
She started working with her parents in 1999 and said attendance was in the low thousands for years. Along the way, more crafters were added, with the festival reaching more than 200 artisans in the early 2000s.
By 2005, the festival was on the map, and attendance grew to unimaginable numbers. Wilt said that was related to placement in National Geographic, as well as Travelocity mentioning it as the top insider spot in the country.
Wilt took over the business in 2012. “I lost my mom in 2022 and sadly my stepfather recently,” she said. “They were the best teachers in the world, and I will continue their legacy with pride.”
Today, 232 crafters participate in the August festival. Furniture, glass, metal, brooms, jewelry, and more are for sale. Everything is handmade, with most artisans demonstrating their crafts and in costumes, Wilt said. The event also includes 22 food booths and three stages of bluegrass, country, and other types of music.
Planning for the next show begins in November when they mail applications to those who inquired about participating in it. Artisans can also obtain the application from the festival’s website.
In January, a jury panel reviews the applications. They start making their selections. “We ask that anyone applying sends samples or pictures of their work to be viewed,” Wilt said. Final selections are made by Feb. 15.
“All of our crafters and artisans have their own wooden structures that they set up in. Once they are accepted into the show, they visit the grounds and see what is available in the spring,” Wilt said. “We love when mid-July arrives. We start to see all of our family of crafters and artisans coming to the woods to make renovations and begin to prepare for the show.”
If they can help participants with any needs they have, they do their best to make it happen. “We truly appreciate the hard work they put into the show,” Wilt said. “We work together as a team.”
The festival includes awards, with plaques presented for best craftmanship, best costume, best demonstration, and best overall booth. She noted high achievers were commended in the past, with monetary awards set to begin for this group.
“We believe our crafters and artisans do well at Shaker Woods Festival because of the crowds we put before them,” Wilt said. The craftsmanship they offer speaks for itself.
She acknowledged McGaffic Advertising — an agency they have worked with since the festival began — for its hard work. “One thing my parents stressed was advertising is the best tool and never back down,” Wilt said.
Her advice for those interested in this festival is to make sure they present handmade work. “Keep in mind, you are applying with the one thing you do best,” she said.
The festival tries to avoid mixed media. She recommends that applicants send samples and take advantage of the personal interviews they offer.
“Shaker Woods Festival is a family. We treat our crafters and artisans as such. Therefore, once accepted, we do our best to accommodate your needs to be successful,” Wilt said. “We will always strive to keep the show new and bring new and exciting features every year to continue the success of Shaker Woods Festival.”
2026
No. 1 in Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows
Shaker Woods Festival
Columbiana, OH
Rob and Lana Wilt
shakerwoods.com
Exhibitors: 233
Show Month: August
2027 Show Dates: Aug. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29
Application Deadline: 2/14/2027
Estimated Attendance: 60,000
Years at Site: 44
2025 200 Best Rank: CC3
