RIPLEY, W.Va. -- Many local residents are packing up their belongings and moving to Ripley this weekend.

They're not staying for good, they're just some of the talented artisans that will be making their way to West Virginia's oldest heritage fair, the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair (MSACF). The annual event continues through July 4 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center.

Just a few of the local artists at the show include: Jacki Griffith, A Primitive Glow, Scott Depot; Isalene Nichols, Isalene's Inspirations, Hurricane; Bob & Kay Huffman, In The Pines, Ona; Hannah Johnson, Hannah's Pottery, Scott Depot; Bill Meadows, The Meadows Pottery, Huntington; Jody Sutphin, Sutphin's Wood Toys, Salt Rock and Willard Brown, Ducks by Buck, Red House.

In addition to experiencing more than 130 juried artisans demonstrating and selling their wares, this year's fair offers traditional Appalachian music, food, heritage exhibits and family activities.

The West Virginia Mountains provide the backdrop for the three-day event where visitors get a chance to shop and learn about products that are as authentic as the people.

"Art and craft fairs are a West Virginia tradition that every generation understands and enjoys," said MSACF President Jeannie Smith in a news release. "We really want the event to be something that everyone will enjoy as a family, from sons and daughters to Moms and Dads to Grandmothers and Grandfathers."

The fair gives everyone a chance to meet the crafters and see how their wares are made by hand.

There will be educational classes and participants will leave each class with a completed project. Each class is designed and developed by the individual artisans. There will be plenty of activities for the whole family throughout the event, including new this year a Farmer's Market featuring locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables.

The Mountain State Art and Craft fair is located on the grounds of Cedar Lakes Conference Center at exit 132 off of I-77.

Tickets are $6 and $2 for children.

For more info, go online at www.msacf.com or call 1-800-CALLWVA.