Arts and crafts have purchased a lot of fun for local families over the years.

Those cool jets of water at Roswell’s Riverside Park sprayground, for example, may never have materialized had it not been for the annual Roswell Arts Festival. The Roswell Recreation Commission uses proceeds from the popular festivals to fund recreation and parks projects not budgeted by the city.

It took about 10 years of festivals for the commission to amass adequate funds for the sprayground, said member Sally White. “After we finally got it finished, one thing everyone was crying out for there was shade for parents to sit in while their kids enjoyed the sprayground, so we gave money for two bright blue, airy and open shelters.”

With such worthy projects to fund, the commission is hoping this year’s festival, set for Sept. 18 and 19, will avoid last year’s weather problems.

“It never stopped raining all weekend,” White said. “It was terrible, a complete disaster. But we had held out for 42 years without it, so I guess we were due.”

The festival takes over Roswell’s historic town square, at the intersection of Ga. SR 120 and Ga. SR 9, for two days of fine arts, handmade crafts, food and entertainment. Organizers are expecting 120 high-quality artists and artisans to set up booths this year.

“The Roswell Arts Festival has not only survived over the years but thrived. Because it has been consistently offered to the public for 44 years, the artists know that it is well established and hope to secure a spot to display their creations,” said Dotty Etris, executive director of Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“And, because of its longevity, many members of the public place it on their family list of annual things to do, establishing a family tradition of fun.”

A free shuttle will run from city hall to the square each day of the event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Information: www.roswellartsfestival.com.