MORRISTOWN - While much of America will be waiting until Wednesday to celebrate, in Morristown the festivities kick off early with the fifth annual Mare’s Wares Arts Fest.

The show, which began as a small event in front of the Route 37 shop now encompasses the entire side and back yards.

“It’s an amazing day of arts, entertainment and fun,” said Mary Ann Evans, who created the festival and operates Mare’s Wares.

“Bring your lawn chair and immerse yourself in the arts, entertainment and food,” she said.

Admission to the festival, which will include nearly 70 artisans selling their products and demonstrating their craft, is free.

Artisans include Marty Snye, who will be doing tin-working demonstrations, Greg Lago will be demonstrating wood carving techniques and Jeffra Montroy and her sister Robin Miller will be demonstrating how to make their beaded bangs. Roy Peters will also be on made with his hand-carved wooden flutes

Mrs. Evans said food will be provided by Mullin’s Restaurant, Gouverneur and LaMont’s Food Fair, Watertown.

“All of your barbecue needs will be met,” she said.

If you would rather drink than eat, Coyote Moon Vineyard, Thousand Islands Winery and River Myst Winery will all be in attendance, not only selling, but also sampling their wines.

Mrs. Evans said animal lovers of all ages will enjoy pony rides for children and horseback riding through a newly crafted Mrs. Evans’ 32 acre property.

A petting zoo and an exotic animals exhibit complete with an ocelot will also be on display.

The event kicks off at noon and runs to 8 p.m.

“We’ll have live music all day,” Mrs. Evans said, noting the band Yellow Moon will play from 1 to 3, with the Jack Kelly Little Big Band playing from 3 to 5 and an ensemble of musicians playing “good old-fashioned rock n’ roll” will perform from 5 to 8.

Mrs. Evans said that group will include David Knapp, Harvey Colby, David Garlock and DJ Rogers.

“They’re just a group of professional musicians playing for the benefit of Mare’s Wares,” she said.

The show is held on July 1, Canada Day, each year and for the first time in four years, this year’s event will be held on a weekend.

“The fact that Canada Day has landed on a weekday for the previous four years doesn’t seem to have slowed the growth of the show one bit,” said Karan Cross, who aids Mrs. Evans with putting the show together. “The goal from the beginning has been to celebrate creativity, the arts and entertainment in a variety of forms, which allow for a diverse and delightful cross-section of artisans, diversions and activities in an eight hour show that goes by much too quickly.”

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