For 65 years, artists from around the country have gathered at the Salem Art Fair & Festival to display their wares.

This year’s event is bigger than ever with an Artist Marketplace, two entertainment stages, arts activities, demonstrations, parades, food booths and a Get Your Color On 5K Walk & Run for the Arts. The festivities run July 18-20 at Bush’s Pasture Park in Salem.

Drawing approximately 35,000 visitors each year, the festival is the largest fundraising event for the Salem Art Association. Founded in 1919, the association is one of the largest community arts organizations in Oregon, according to its website. The nonprofit also operates the Bush Barn Art Center and the historic Bush House Museum in Salem.

The festival’s Artist Marketplace will feature more than 200 local, regional, national and international artists in a wide variety of mediums including ceramics, cottage crafts, fiber arts, drawing, jewelry and sculpture.

The entertainment stages kick off each morning at noon with the Children’s Educational Theatre’s “What Do you Say, Dear?” Headliners include Shemekia Copeland (July 18) and the Bobwhite Big Band (July 19).

The David A. Cohen Kids Court features hands-on activities for the whole family, including button making, rock painting, spin art and storytelling. Each activity ranges in price from $1 to $5. Proceeds from these activities benefit local nonprofits.

General admission is $5 per day or $10 for a weekend pass. Children (ages 12 and younger) are admitted for free. Admission is free for everyone from 3-5 p.m. July 20. For more information, visit www.salemart.org or call 503-581-2228.

— Reporter: 541-383-0350, jwasson@bendbulletin.com