Countryside Creative Festival returns to Boltz Family Farms Sept. 14

It's art. It's a beautiful setting. Combined, it's the Countryside Creative Festival, held at Boltz Family Farms in New Philadelphia Sunday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event, the second of its kind, promises plenty of examples of the creative output of local artists and craft vendors.

Event coordinator Aubrey Gealsha is already looking forward to the big day. “This is the second year,” she said, "so we're really excited because last year we had a really great turnout, especially considering it was the first time and many of us hadn't put such a thing together before.” The event began via a strong friendship in 2024, Gealsha said.

“Carol Boltz is a personal friend of mine and I approached her last year and said ‘hey, I have this crazy idea. Why don't we do a little craft vendor fair?’ Boltz Farm is a beautiful property and a great setting, and when I told Carol about it she said it sounded great but she had no idea how to do an arts festival so she suggested I just run with it.”

Gealsha used her long experience as an artist exhibiting at venues like Art in the Alley in downtown New Philadelphia, and turned to Wilma Mullet of the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership for help. “She helped guide me through the process a bit,” Gealsha said. “It turned out to be such a big hit that vendors asked right away if we were going to do it again.”

Indeed, the festival, with a month to go, has already doubled in size from last year.

Carol Boltz entered a new challenge in life when she was diagnosed with a serious illness early this year, leading to the chief change from last years festival.

“We're adding a raffle to the mix this year to help with Carol's medical expenses. She and her husband Jim have been great in giving back to the community. They've always been there for someone in need. Both are ‘give you the shirt off their back’ kinds of people so I’m glad we can do something to help. They've also been very supportive of the arts.”

Participating vendors are donating raffle items, along with area businesses. All raffle ticket proceeds will go to the Boltz family to help out. The farm, with plenty of fresh produce and farm raised meats, will also be open that day.

The blend of arts and crafts for the Countryside Creative Festival should find something for just about everyone, Gealsha said. “There is fine art of course, and also craftspeople. We have fiber artists doing crochet, woodworkers, floral arrangers, botanical vendors with teas and natural remedies, shadow boxes with insects, watercolor artists, hardtack candy makers—as I said, it has grown to double last year's size.”

Vendors wishing to get involved can find a link at the festival's Facebook page. A $35 fee covers expenses. Any remaining funds will go to the Boltz family for medical expenses. If categories fill to capacity, Gealsha is maintaining a list for next year, so she encourages anyone interested to go ahead and fill out the Google form at the Facebook link.

Food trucks, fresh lemonade, warm brews from Open Sky Coffee, smashed burgers and more will keep everyone well fed. The nonprofit Jaxon’s Bricks for Bravery will be on hand as well, Gealsha said. The Newcomerstown based organization gathers donations of unopened LEGO sets to distribute to children who are hospitalized.

To learn more about becoming a vendor, or to offer musical entertainment or to volunteer, email Gealsha at agealsha@yahoo.com.

Boltz Family Farms is at 522 Hummell Valley Road, New Philadelphia.