HUMBOLDT -The fourth annual Humboldt Arts Festival is set for Saturday, and organizers say this year's festival is expected to be bigger and better than ever.

"We have 33 artisans coming to show their work," said Lisa Rasmussen, a member of the Humboldt Area Arts Council board. "That's many more than before. It will be wonderful to have artisans on all of the park's sidewalks this year."

The featured artisans will offer everything from paintings and purses to hand-made jewelry and stained glass. Many of the artists are local, but some are coming from Clear Lake, Spencer and the Des Moines area, Artist Chairwoman LuAnn Burgess said.

Most artisans will offer live demonstrations of their work at their booths, where their wares will also be available for purchase.

"About 20 of the artists will be demonstrating this year," said Burger.

"We strongly encourage demonstrations by the artisans," said Rasmussen. "So we are very excited for that this year."

Back this year will be the children's art activity area, where there will be 10 to 12 new crafts and projects, allowing even the youngest of artists to get in touch with their creative sides.

"Our local sponsors step up to let us provide crafts for at least 100 kids," Rasmussen said. "This year each child will receive a passport that will be stamped to show what activity booths they have visited."

Rasmussen and Burger agree that one of the most popular activities among kids has been the tie-dye T-shirts, which will also be back this year. For a small fee, children will be able to create their own souvenir Humboldt Arts Festival T-shirt.

"The fee is to cover the cost of the shirts," said Burger. "But it is the only thing we will charge for."

"We keep the event free because we want those who come to be able to save their money to shop and support the artisans," Rasmussen said.

This will be the second year the festival will be held in John Brown Park after relocating from downtown Humboldt.

"People really enjoy the atmosphere and beauty of the park," Burger said. "It gives the event more of a festival feel."

Musical entertainment will also be provided throughout the day by local groups The Johnson Family, The Melody Proffitt Band and H&K.

Also in conjunction with the Arts Festival, the Humboldt Community Theater will be presenting Neil Simon's "Rumors" tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the R. Wesley Carlson Auditorium at Humboldt High School.

"This is the second year we have included drama with the festival," said Rasmussen. "Before that, it had probably been close to 20 years since we had a community theater."

Rasmussen says that without the support of the community such an event would not be possible in Humboldt.

"This is our largest event," she said. "Without the support of Humboldt County and the surrounding community, we couldn't put this on."

"This is a free show because we receive such good sponsorship," said Burger. "It's a great family event, wonderful for children, and it doesn't cost any money to attend."

Contact Emilie Nelson at (515)573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net