The Crosby Arboretum is gearing up for the 13^th annual Piney Woods Heritage Festival this Saturday.

The community is welcome to attend the festival that celebrates the history and culture of the pioneer days in the Piney Woods region, said Jill Mirkovich, the arboretum’s senior curator.

The event will bring together dozens of artisans showcasing traditional arts, crafts and music popular during the pioneer era.

“This is the biggest event we put on every year. It’s something that people have enjoyed. Every year we’re trying to build the event and add new groups,” Mirkovich said.

School groups will tour the exhibits on Friday, and Saturday the public is invited to attend the event that will last from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission costs $5 for adults, $2 for children and it’s free for members. Senior citizens and military members pay a discounted price of $4.

The event will include storytelling by Miss Chocolate, a local history exhibit from Don Wicks, a beekeeping exhibit by D.L. Wesley of Foxworth, a butter churning demonstration from members of the Greater Picayune Arts Council and handmade crafts from the Picayune Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Mirkovich said.

The community will also have a chance to listen to old-time performances from the Acoustic Gumbo at 10 a.m., Jordan River Band at 11 a.m., Hazel and the Delta Ramblers after noon and dulcimer playing by the Pearl Strings Dulcimer Group.

Mirkovich said they added a new group for this year’s festival, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, who plan on selling beadwork and performing tribal dancing.

The festival will be centrally located around the Pinecote Pavillion inside the arboretum.

Mirkovich said they encourage exhibitors and guests to dress up in pioneer attire.

For more information, visit crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu or call 601-799-2311.

The Crosby arboretum is located at 370 Ridge Road.