ARTHUR - Downtown Arthur will be filled with crafts and antiques Saturday to kick off a new monthly market that Arthur organizers plan to make a tradition.

The indoor market will have 15 to 20 vendors on the third Saturday of each month. In the warmer months, more outdoor vendor space will be available.

Anita Krutsinger, one of the event's organizers, said visitors can expect to see booths from Arcola Antiques, Homestead Bakery, Rockome Gardens, Aunt Sarah's General Store and the Wood Loft.

Krutsinger said unique crafts also will be available. She said one vendor will have homemade denim purses and clothes for the American Girl Doll line, and another man will have homemade dog treats, as well as dog accessories and cups. She said there also will be several other antique vendors.

The market, sponsored by the Arthur Merchants Committee, will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Gazebo Annex Building across from the Arthur Amish County Information Center.

"We're hoping in the summertime it will expand with fresh produce and outside vendors as well," Krutsinger said. "We're just hoping to bring some people into town."

"We have had great response from vendors wanting to participate in this new market and expect to fill all spaces for the first show," said George Fritz, market organizer. "Arthur has a strong tradition of successful events, and the Arthur downtown merchants expect that this monthly market will help to draw even more traffic to Arthur."

The monthly market has drawn interest from antique dealers and crafters from as far away as Kentucky. Limited indoor vendor space remains available.

Krutsinger said more vendors are welcome, and anyone wishing to have a booth should call her at 543-2822.

Kate Henderson can be reached at khenderson@jg-tc.com or 238-6858.