Insider's guide to Yellow Springs Street Fair: 7 things to know

The fall edition of the Yellow Springs Street Fair is upon us.

Between 20,000 and 25,000 people are expected to attend.

>> 5 things to do while in Yellow Springs

Here are 7 things you need to know to make the most of it:

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1. LOTS OF VENDORS; BRING CASH

You’ll find an enormous selection of arts and crafts, as well as food. “The main attraction is on the streets in downtown Yellow Springs,” said Karen Wintrow, executive director of the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce. “We have a lot of returning vendors. Yellow Springs is one of their favorite places.”

Lawn art and sculptures are always popular items at the street fair. One of the returning vendors will be Heather B Leaves. “She makes beautiful concrete leaves and fountains and planters,” Wintrow said.

Some of the vendors are locals, including Twisted Tines. “They primarily make jewelry out of silverware – forks and spoons,” Wintrow said.

The Chamber is hosting 200 vendors; additional vendors will be set up on private property. Best to have cash on hand.

>>MORE: The Yellow Springs Street Fair is back with food, music and more

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2. TWO STAGES, TOUGH CHOICES

Two stages will offer different types of entertainment. The Music and Beer Fest Lineup includes: Winchester Gray, Erika Hughes & The Well-Mannered, Trains Across The Sea, Willy Clark Band, Jeanne Ulrich & The Devil’s Backbone, Gin-Soaked Angels and Nerak Roth Patterson Band

The Soin Point Lineup, next to the food tent that will be set up by Walnut Street, includes: Matthew Thoma, Chris Yakopcic, The Pandini Brothers, Egyptian Breeze, Aleeya Jones, The Hardtackers and Will C. Egyptian Breeze, a belly dancer troupe, is always a big hit. “We have a lot of locals who are members,” Wintrow said.

>> What else to see while you’re in Yellow Springs

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3. STREET PERFORMERS

You'll encounter lots of performers as you're milling about. “The biggest and most elaborate is a drum circle,” Wintrow said. In addition, all up and down the streets, festival-goers will find single musicians and small groups, including some of Yellow Springs’ high school students. “We have a lot of talented kids,” Wintrow said. “We’ll also have Tony Steinbach, a magician who does sleight of hand.”

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4. A GARDEN FOR BEER FROLICKING

There will be no lack of beer at this festival. Sponsored by Yellow Springs Brewery and MillerCoors, the Beer Garden will offer a variety of products.

>> MORE: 8 beers to try at Yellow Springs Brewery

Patrons rang in the unofficial start of summer at one of Dayton's most popular destinations, Young's Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs. (TOM GILLIAM)

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

5. PARKING NEED NOT BE CRAZY

“The easiest thing to do is to take a shuttle,” Wintrow said. The shuttle service is free and runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are two free parking locations: people coming from the west on Dayton-Yellow Springs Road can park at the Yellow Springs High School. The other free parking area will be at Young’s Dairy, north of Yellow Springs. In addition, “there are quite a few paid parking places,” Wintrow said. All the proceeds from those parking places will benefit local groups.

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A bike hangs above the deck at the Caboose Bike and Skate shop along the bike path in Yellow Springs as a rider cruises by.

Credit: JIM WITMER

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Credit: JIM WITMER

6. RIDE YOUR BIKE

Cyclists are encouraged to ride their bikes. A bike valet will be next to the Yellow Springs Station and staffed by Black Pug Bike Repair & Bike Miami Valley.

>>RELATED: Here’s what to know about our local bike trails

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7.  NO PETS

“By law of Yellow Springs, pets are not allowed,” Wintrow said. “People will be asked to leave if they bring them. It’s not a comfortable place for pets to be.”

>>RELATED: Here’s everything you didn’t know about Glen Helen

Want to go?

WHAT: Yellow Springs Street Fair

WHERE: Downtown Yellow Springs

WHEN: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, J

INFO: www.yellowspringsohio.org

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