Crowds flocked to Fort Deposit Saturday and Sunday for the 43rd annual Calico Fort Arts & Crafts Fair.

“We had two beautiful days. We had a fantastic turnout,” said Frieda Cross, president of the Fort Deposit Arts Council.

Some 80 exhibitors displayed their wares during the two-day event, which is sponsored annually by the Fort Deposit Arts Council with proceeds going to fund various projects.

Such Arts Council projects have included a lighs and sound system for the Fort Deposit Municipal Auditorium, a new ambulance, a van for senior citizens, fire trucks, and Jaws of Life and support equipment for the Fort Deposit Volunteer Fire Department/Rescue Squad.

The proceeds from this year’s event will help outfit a recently formed volunteer fire department.

This year’s exhibits ranged from a flint knapper to lanterns and chimes made from wine bottles to candles.

Cross said Brenda Clark, of Bessemer, was awarded ‘Best of Show” for her candles, which looked and smelled like real strawberries.

“The exhibitor who got best of show was positively thrilled to death,” she said.

There was also activities for the children including pony rides, a petting zoo, bungee jump, water wobble and air jumps.

There was continuous entertainment in the natural amphitheater, including seven bluegrass bands, Max Conway and Caleb Luckie.