Salinan’s are gathering again in Oakdale Park for the 38th Annual Smoky Hill River Festival.

Young and old are back to see, hear and taste the best artisans from all over the country have to offer.

Tyler and Ashley Shaffer of Salina brought their daughter in the stroller to take in her first Festival, “We’re making lots of crafts and having some fun,” Tyler said as he sampled his first 2014 vintage funnel cake. “It is savory, deep fried and delicious.”

Salina YMCA’s Camp SWAT kids were out in force early Friday morning – making and taking art from Artyopolis.

“I made this mask and two buttons already,” 7-year-old Christopher Derting said as he headed for the next tent full of Fruit Loops and necklace making.

Big Craft Show

The Four Rivers Craft Show which boasts 54 booths this year, opened up Friday with hundreds of unique selections and gifts – including soap for every occasion. “This Mechanics’ Soap is for the guy who’s working on the greasy mower or engine,” said Sandra Knox.

The former Salinan who makes her home in Albuquerque New Mexico was selling bars and bars of soap at her booth Sage Mountain Soap Company. Knox says her ingredients are the difference in the war on dirt, “Kerosene and pumice get the job done right,” she said.

Music and Dancing

Live performances continue throughout the day with Chicago’s Funkadesi in the spotlight tonight on the Eric Stein Stage beginning at 8:30pm. KSAL’s Big Band Dance with Bobby Lane and His Orchestra will be held inside the Bicentennial Center from 7pm until 10:30pm.

The four day festival runs through Sunday afternoon.