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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The Chilton County Arts Festival is back.

The Chilton County Arts Council is hosting its arts festival on July 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We are excited … because people are ready to get out again, and we get to see the same artists that have been coming for the past 10 years,” organizer Mack Gothard said.

The event had to be canceled last year amidst COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Gothard said when planning the event, the Arts Council had to plan on following certain restrictions since it was uncertain if COVID-19 would still be a factor.

The COVID-19 State of Emergency for Alabama ended July 6.

“People are more willing now to come out to festivals,” Gothard said. “This pandemic … was a big setback for everyone.”

This year’s event will feature at least 30 artists, and there is still time for local artists to register.

Artists interested in participating can contact Gothard at chiltoncountyartscouncil@aol.com or find the vendor application at www.chiltoncountyartscouncil.com.

“It has to be handcrafted by the artist,” Gothard said of the items that will be for sale. “It’s a one-of-a-kind piece. It’s not made in China or by somebody else. It is something that they created.”

Admission is free. Cash and credit/debit cards will be accepted by the art vendors.

A variety of art mediums will be on display and for sale, ranging from paintings to glass to fabric work.

Gothard said his favorites are the wood and pottery.

Working on the festival is a year-round focus for the Arts Council. Gothard said vendors have enjoyed having the festival in July, because it has fewer events to compete with and it is an indoor event.

The Arts Festival will be held at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center, 1850 Lay Dam Road.