Organizers of the Puckett Station Arts and Crafts Market are hoping to get some Troup County artisans to come to Moreland on July 4.

Puckett Station is held each Independence Day in conjunction with a popular community barbecue. This year, the Moreland Cultural Arts Alliance is hoping to more than double the number of vendors at the festival.

“Our event draws 2,000 to 3,000 visitors each year,” said Carol Chancey of the MCAA. “We are working hard to make this year’s Puckett Station a great success.”

MCAA operates Moreland’s museums — the Hometown Heritage Museum in the Moreland Mill and the Erskine Caldwell Birthplace and Museum on the town square. MCAA also oversees God’s Little Acre, a demonstration garden on railroad street, and owns the tourist stop, a former service station and bus station on Highway 29.

Caldwell was a classic novelist known for such works as “God’s Little Acre” and “Tobacco Road.” The Hometown Heritage Museum includes a tribute to Lewis Grizzard, who was a writer, journalist and humorist.

Puckett station booth space — 10 foot by 10 foot — is available in the Moreland Mill, along the street and on the grounds of Moreland United Methodist Church.

Booth rental is $45, with an additional $10 if electricity is needed. 

Vendors will be able to set up July 3 after 5 p.m. The festival starts at 9 a.m. with opening ceremonies.

Vendors may send their rental fee along with whether they want indoor or outdoor space to MCAA, attn: Puckett Station, P.O. Box 490, Moreland, GA 30259. The deadline for vendor reservations is June 28.

“We are offering a $10 rebate for our returning vendors who refer an artisan who submits a new application to Puckett Station and lists you as their referral with a paid application,” Chancey said.

People needing more information may contact Chancey at (678) 492-3161 or info@morelandadventure.com or Deborah Smith at (678) 850-1868, imagesart1@live.com.

There were about 35 vendors last year at Puckett Station, and Chancey is hoping to more than double that number this year.

New events are planned at Puckett Station this year including new children’s games and rides, a concert from Martin Rudy’s Newnan Brass and the MCAA Growers Market at featuring farm fresh produce and homemade goodies.

Pork barbecue at $9 per plate will be available at the Lewis Grizzard Memorial Pavilion behind the Moreland Milll starting at 11 a.m. on July 4. Local churches prepare the plates.