CROSE: Have a great time at this Laurel Hill festival

Artists, crafters, heritage displays and classic cars fill historic Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church's spacious side and rear yard during the town's 2015 Arts and Heritage Festival.

The Laurel Hill Spring Arts and Heritage Festival will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 30 at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 Fourth St.

This festival is open to the public and has free admission. There will be a variety of vendors — from local artisan and crafters to community service organizations, musicians, and the OneBlood bus.

All types of musical groups will perform — the Northwest Florida State College Jazz ensemble, guitarists, an electric bass player, Emerald Coast Pipes and Drums, several talented vocalists, and the Wesley Boys and Wesley Girls from Crestview First United Methodist.

There will also be a demonstration from Gordon Martial Arts, which is sure to be informative as well as entertaining.

Over 15 artisans and crafters will display their wares and demonstrate their crafts — so much to see and learn! There will be everything from woodworking, jewelry and tote bags to beautiful paintings.

Delicious baked goods will also be offered for sale, with some of them so beautifully decorated one doesn't want to eat them. There will also be locally made jams, jellies and even salsa.

For the kids, there will be a bounce house and an archery range, as well as yummy treats.

The grounds of the church are quite pretty, and kids generally have a blast running around and playing outside.

The Baker Block Museum/North Okaloosa Heritage Association will be there, and Laurel Hill history will be on display, as will the University of West Florida’s Florida Public Archeology exhibit. 

In addition, Friends of the Arts will have a display, so you can get a better idea of the wonderful arts opportunities we have in Crestview, Laurel Hill and North Okaloosa County.

Bring the entire family to this wonderful festival.  You will have a great time, meet some new friends and thoroughly enjoy yourself. 

I look forward to seeing you there!

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Have a great time at this Laurel Hill festival