Perhaps one of the best things about the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area's Old Town Jubilee is residents can buy one-of-a-kind crafts they cannot find in stores.
"About half of our vendors make their own wares and they come from all over the region to exhibit here," Susan Sternitzke, event coordinator said.
Anyone attending the Jubilee is well advised to stop by the festival tent on Main Street just north of the fountain, Sternitzke said. The Jubliee is passing out a "goodies bag" to everyone who arrives. The complimentary treats includes discount coupons, information on upcoming events and dog treats for Saturday's pet talent and fashion shows, she noted.
"It's such a family friendly event. It's free, fun, a great place to get something delicious to eat, and the weather is perfect, thank goodness."
Among several stage acts performing on the main stage are the Chuckawalla Rhythm Kings, the Yo Bee Hip Hop Dancers, Dervin James, and the 2009 Yuma Star winner Selena Barrera.
On Friday, Barrera performed some Cumbia, traditional Mexican music as well as her winning performance number, "The Climb." Selena said, she has been singing since she was two and that's the reason for her professional poise.
"I'm so glad to be here because the audience is awesome."
First time Jubilee artists Lydia and John Delventhal drove 4 1/2 hours from Cornville which is between Sedona and Cottonwood. They call their craft wares Aspen Recycled, which got its name from the aged wood of John's hand carved walking sticks. Each walking stick is inlaid with turquoise and has a compass in the top knob.
John and Lydia also make copper clad lamp shades and wall hangings with a variety of leaf and geometric patterns, Lydia noted.
"I make ankle bracelets and necklaces. They're very popular, especially in a warm climate like this. I use magnet clasps because they hold well and are easy to use."
Lydia added, the crowds were huge and if things keep up the way the are going she will be back next year because the weather is a lot warmer in Yuma and the customers are nice and friendly.
Vendor Jeff Kaiser was standing in for his in-laws, craftsmen, Karen and Ron Griese, who run the "mom and pop" Karon's, which sells only at crafts events. Karon's has shirts and capri pants as well as t-shirts and sweatshirts. And all the shirts have hand painted designs.
One of Karon's appreciative customers is winter visitor Carol Laier who said she was glad to find a cotton blouse because she prefers natural fibers, something she cannot always find at stores.
Laier had just purchased a silver watch with a bracelet band from J & R Enterprises, another crafts events vendor. Laier says she already has a half dozen watches but she likes to have them in different colors.
"I just like to shop. My husband is pretty patient, but he likes to wander and look too. We also like the Prickly Pear and Twigs is always a place I like to go. Sometimes even when there's nothing down here we just like to walk around and eat ice cream."
And for those with a mind's eye to explore Historic Yuma there is SegwaYuma Tours operated by Steve and Kate Cook. They provide the battery operated Segway Transports, the self-balancing two-wheeled vehicles invented by Dean Kamen.
Kate trains everyone on their tours how to use the Segway, which Steve said is "the most fun you can have standing up."
