And the big question is--what will the item of the festival be this year? There is always one particular product that you see everyone carrying around. I've seen scarecrows, marshmallow pop guns, giant plastic woven baskets, witches bodies which look they are flying into trees, fuzzy boa scarves and yard ornaments that were taller than the people carrying them. Last year it was barn stars. They were everywhere. They came in every size and color. Everybody had one.

It doesn't matter how big the item is, someone will lug it, pull it or tow it. I know. My husband and I bought a chimera one year. You know the big metal Mexican fire pits that weigh about 200 pounds. We didn't care, they delivered to our car!

As a crafter myself, I go to a lot of festivals but I have not seen any one item that stands out more than others this year. But you just watch there will be something that everyone is buying and carrying.

Most big festivals like the Popcorn Festival in Valpo and the Blueberry Festival in Plymouth are only one day. Our covered bridge festival goes on for ten. And, it covers three towns and miles of the surrounding area. Mansfield, Bridgeton and Rockville are actual festival sites but you can drive down any major road that leads to any of the three towns and find flea markets, antique and garage sales galore. And, don't miss out on the ham and beans in Rockville.

More importantly, don't forget about all the wonderful covered bridges which are the basis for the original festival. Everyone of them is spectacular.

It is ten glorious days of shopping and eating. Never mind if it rains or is cold. Folks just bundle up and carry an umbrella. They come alone, they come in groups and they come in couples.

Look for me, I'll be the one bundled up,walking in the rain carrying an umbrella and pulling a 200 pound barn star.