The SVACA Fall Festival in Fort Ransom offers a wide variety of crafts, and a whole lot more. This picture from last year's event shows a woman interested in these wood products. Enjoy the fall colors on the scenic drive along the Sheyenne National Scenic Byway. (Jean Schlegel/VCTR file photo) 

By Jean Schlegel
Valley City Times-Record

Fort Ransom's 41st annual Sheyenne Valley Arts & Crafts Association’s  (SVACA) Fall Festival is planned for next weekend, Saturday, Sept. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
The SVACA is held the last full weekend of September each year when all the fall colors are ablaze. Take a scenic drive on the Sheyenne National Scenic Byway to Fort Ransom and enjoy the fall foliage views along the way.
Parking is free and admission is $2 for adults; children 6-14, $1; and preschoolers, free. Fort Ransom is located 35 miles south of Valley City.
Music, art, crafts, a food court, entertainment, and many friendly people are there to greet  the hundreds of people as they enjoy this unique event nestled in the valley of Fort Ransom.  
About 150 vendors participate in this show each year, which includes a wide variety of crafts, artisans and musicians for the two-day Arts and Crafts festival.
The Bear Creek Art Gallery will be open with displays of local and regional artists. There will also be unique demonstrations.
A WELCA bake sale and bazaar will be held at the Standing Rock Lutheran Church in Fort Ransom, starting at 10 a.m., and dinner will be served at Standing Rock, starting at 10:30 a.m. Chair lift rides at Ski Hill will run from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A music program is planned at Standing Rock Church, starting at 7 p.m. A free-will donation is welcome.
The Arts & Crafts Festival continues on Sunday and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibits are around Fort Ransom and the museum will be open.
A food court at Stiklestad Park plans to have food vendors with a variety of items ready to feed hungry shoppers, as well as snacks.
SVACA is sponsoring the Preston Homemakers in the Senior Center building, serving hot food and sandwiches, as well as homemade pies.
Downtown, there is the local cafe, bar, and general store ready and willing to serve food, beverages, groceries, or gasoline.
A turkey barbecue is planned at the fire hall in downtown Fort Ransom, and chair lift rides will be offered again at Ski Hill from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.  
In addition to the crafts, there will be music and food, with a people mover to take the crowds where they want to go. There will also be kettle corn, toasted almonds and much more.