One of the things Marilyn Hobday enjoys most about the Heart of Lancaster Arts and Craft Show is the opportunity it provides for education.

The retired Hempfield School District art teacher created the show 38 years ago, with a goal of offering visitors a wide range of art options while encouraging participating vendors to demonstrate their art or share their process with shoppers.

The show will be held outside from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, at Root's Country Market & Auction, 705 Graystone Road, Manheim.

"We have about 120 artists and craftsmen participating in the show," Hobday shared. "They're coming from as far away as Florida (and) Maine."

A featured artist in this show will be Craig Bireley.

"He is a wood turner, and he creates these huge, gorgeous bowls," Hobday said. "They are exquisite."

Bireley uses Pennsylvania hardwood to create his bowls, shaping each piece to showcase the color, grain and edge of the material. Each piece is one of a kind.

"I was so amazed by his work," Hobday said, noting that Bireley has been in business for more than a decade. "What he does is spectacular."

Along with woodturning, the show will feature photographers, watercolor and oil paintings, metalwork, wreaths, home decor, soaps, handmade cards and more.

"We really have something for every budget and every interest," Hobday said. "We even have someone who makes brooms."

Many vendors will demonstrate their work, and all artisans are available to answer questions and interact with the crowd.

"The show is meant to be educational to see how people make their wares as much as it's meant to showcase amazing art," Hobday explained. "I think that aspect really sets us apart."

When she organized the first show almost 40 years ago, Hobday gathered 83 vendors. The show has grown every year.

"We are ranked in the top 200 best shows in the country," she remarked. "People know our reputation."

The show is juried by a team of five people, all of whom are artisans who participate in the show.

"They are working artists, and they have a wealth of knowledge they bring to the jury," Hobday said, noting that her own watercolors will be for sale at the show. "We try to make the show very diverse when we choose our vendors."

She also enjoys mentoring younger artists and encouraging them to participate in shows such as this one, where their art will be seen by hundreds of shoppers.

Hobday organizes two art shows a year - one in the spring and one over Labor Day weekend. Each show has a charity it supports.

"This year, our charitable organization is Columbia Cat Action Team, CCAT," she said. "They'll have a table of merchandise for sale, and people can donate to them at the show." CCAT's mission is focused on reducing feral cat populations in Columbia through trap-neuter-vaccinate-return initiatives.

Root's Market food vendors will be open during the show, providing plenty of food options, and a strolling musician will entertain throughout the event.

"It's free to attend the show, and there is plenty of free parking," Hobday said. "It's educational, and it's affordable. A lot of people start their Christmas shopping here. There is really something for everyone."

For more information, visit http://www.hlcshow.com.