BUCHANAN — For the past several years, community members who attend Buchanan’s annual Unsanctioned event have strolled the downtown streets and had the opportunity to take in the work of local artists and patronize local businesses. 

This year, people will once again have this chance during the 10th annual Unsanctioned event.

The event will take place 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 26 in downtown Buchanan. The event is free and open the public and will feature various artists, shopping and dining and to enjoy along Front Street, Days Avenue and Main Street. There will also be live musical performances in Mill Alley for people to listen to.

Unsanctioned is sponsored by the Buchanan Downtown Development Authority. Barbara Gordon, the DDA chairwoman, said an aspect that makes the event unique is that artists get to demonstrate how they make their wares, from woodworkers to ice carving. This year, people will once again be able to watch the craftsmen at work.

The event is more than a shopping and dining opportunity for those who attend. It is also a chance for them to support their downtown community and local artisans.   

“The event has evolved and changed from how it was first started but ultimately the goal was to raise awareness about Buchan in terms of shops and retail and things that you can do in Buchanan,” Gordon said. “It is really to highlight the downtown the businesses but also the art center, the historic mill.”

The event will also offer a host of crafty activities for people to take part in. Several of those activities will take place at the Buchanan Art Center.

Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve representatives will also be in attendance at Unsanctioned. For $5, people can learn how to make various plant-related crafts.

Gordon has helped to organize the event for two years. After the event, Gordon said the DDA surveys local businesses to see what the outcome was. Last year, the event received positive feedback and businesses reported an increase in foot traffic, Gordon said.

Prior to participating in Unsanctioned, Gordon welcomed people to check out the Buchanan Farmers Market, which takes place in the Buchanan Commons, starting at 8 a.m.

Artists are still welcome to sign up to participate in the event and can do so by contacting Gordon, where she works at the Buchanan District Library at (269) 695-3681.

“It is that small town experience but you are getting city culture,” Gordon said.

Special this year, Unsanctioned will run in tandem with another event in downtown Buchanan.

The inaugural 2018 Buchanan Music Festival will feature two live bands: Gypsy Red and One True Vice in the Buchanan Commons. There will be a beer garden open from 4:30 to 11:20 p.m. Food will also be available.

Proceeds from this event will support local youth sports programs, including the all ages football players in Buchanan, junior high and high school programs and the Rocket program, which offers local multiple sports activities for children.

Presale tickets for the event will cost $12 and can be purchased by contacting Orville Thomas, the Buchanan High School head coach, at (269) 876-6416. Tickets can also be purchased at the event for $14. To access the beer garden, those who are 21 and older will need to purchase an additional $5 wrist band.

Thomas said the proceeds will help to support youth sports programs by providing more funding for new equipment, as well as safety training features like tackle tires and pads.