The annual Chapin Mansion Arts and Crafts Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 16, featuring more than a dozen vendors from the Michiana region and as far away as Grand Rapids.

Vendors will be selling hand-crafted items, ranging from fine art to wood carvings and handbags.

A selection of books by local authors will also be for sale. Families are encouraged to attend as there will be activities offered for children.

New this year will be a Victorian Tea Shop on the Chapin Mansion lawn hosted by Apothica Tea. Tea and pastries will be available for purchase, with music and crafters providing historical entertainment.

“We are thrilled to be featuring Apothica Tea at the Arts and Crafts Fair,” said Sanya Phillips, community development director for the City of Niles. “Their presence will add historical whimsy to the event and is sure to be a big hit with our audience.”

Sandwiches and snack items will be available from St. Mary’s Boy Scout Troop 579.

Admission to the Arts and Crafts Fair is free. Donations, which benefit restoration projects at the Historic Chapin Mansion, are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Guests are also invited to visit the Fort St. Joseph Museum which will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Historic Chapin Mansion was built in 1882 by Henry and Ruby Chapin. The Chapins earned their fortune through the iron ore industry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The mansion, located at 508 E. Main St., Niles, is built in the American Aesthetic style and features stunning stained glass windows, interior wood carving, fireplaces and chandeliers.

For further information please visit the Niles History Center website at: www.nileshistorycenter.org or call (269) 845-4054.