Photo by Staff file photo by Skip Lawrence Catoctin Colorfest is one of Thurmont’s biggest annual events and routinely brings thousands to the town for a weekend of arts and crafts.

This year, the 46th annual Catoctin Colorfest will gather people from around the state and surrounding areas for one of the largest arts and crafts shows on the East Coast.

The juried show boasts 350 vendors in the town's Community Park on Frederick Road and the Guardian Hose Co.'s Activities Grounds on East Main Street.

Admission is free, and parking is available at various locations for a fee. Parking areas can be found at Catoctin High School, NVR on North Carroll Street, Space Crafters on Apples Church Road and Thurmont elementary and middle schools.

Free shuttle bus service is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days from five designated Stop and Park areas.

The craft areas will be open for shopping and demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Carol Robertson, president of Colorfest Inc., said the festival usually sees crowds of 125,000 to 150,000.

According to AccuWeather.com, the weekend's forecast looks to be in the mid- to high 60s, with occasional clouds and sunshine. A late shower is predicted for Saturday night.

Colorfest began in 1963 as a nature walk, but quickly grew into the juried arts and crafts show it is today.

Demonstrations by crafters during the weekend include glass blowing, broom making, wood turning, dulcimer making and carving of wood flowers. All weekend, the Catoctin Promise Band and Linda Elower School of Dance will perform.

All illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed, so Colorfest Inc. reminds all drivers to pay close attention to parking signs.

A list of vendors at the Community Park and Activities Ground can be found in the Colorfest program, available for download at the event's website, www.colorfest.org.

Catoctin Colorfest awards scholarships to Catoctin High School seniors each year.

Next year's 47th annual Colorfest will be held Oct. 9 and 10, 2010.