DRESDEN — On July 13, the second annual America’s Basket Festival will feature six Longaberger family members available to sign baskets and visit with the crowd.
“I can’t say who just yet,” said Darron Delancey, president of the Dresden Community Association, who is hosting the event for the first time. “The health is unpredictable for some of the older family members. So, we don’t want to promise and then someone doesn’t show.”
The day-long festivities begin at 10 a.m. at 610 Main Street in Dresden, and last through 8 p.m.
“Dave Longaberger started the basket convention back in the late 1980s,” said Delancey. “We’ve seen it come and go. But the main reason it’s taking off again is the company is selling again and Dresden is weaving the baskets again.”
He said because Dresden is once again making the iconic baskets, he’s hoping it brings tourists back to the area.
“We want to promote the Dresden area more,” said Delancey. “Let people know baskets are being made right here on Main Street.”
The interest in the Longaberger baskets is still high, as Delancey said several of the paid events are already sold out, including over 110 lunches and the Paint A Basket event. But a few remaining paid events are still available as are all the free activities.
“There’s no cost to play Bingo or join the Beer Garden or listen to country singer Brian Lewis,” said Delancey. He added there is an event t-shirt and basket available for sale, but they are also nearly sold out.
There’s no admission fee for the daylong event which includes:
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Shopping at Vendor’s Row
- 10 a.m. to noon: Bingo
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Lunch in a Basket, sold out. Guests can purchase food at local restaurants or at food trucks on-site.
- Noon to 2 p.m.: Longaberger Family Basket Signing, bring your favorite Longaberger basket, meet the Longaberger family, and have them sign your basket.
- 1 to 6 p.m.: Build A Basket, pre-registration required, $49.
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Paint A Basket, sold out.
- 2 to 4 p.m.: Former Longaberger Employee Reunion.
- 2 to 4 p.m.: Country musician Brian Lewis
- Noon to 8 p.m.: Beer and Spirits Garden
“Guests can come and listen to entertainment, sit, relax—all for free,” said Delancey. “We’ll also have door prizes and free drawings, one of which is a pass to the Dresden Swimming Pool.”
He also said it’s a great time to get an Instagram-worthy shot with the World’s Largest Handwoven Basket at 5th and Main Streets.
“We want to tell people we’re still here,” said Delancey. “We still have shops. Remember us, come back, and visit us again.”
For more information visit destinationdresden.com.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Six Longaberger family members will sign baskets at America’s Basket Festival on Saturday
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