Buchanan’s third annual “Nonpareil” event Saturday will again feature art, music and downtown shopping. But this year will also have an added focus — the city’s rich history.
“It’s a chance to show off our history,” said Buchanan Downtown Development Association Executive Director Deb Patzer. “We’re trying to showcase what’s unique about Buchanan. And the historic Pears Mill is one of those things.”
Spinning, 19th century milling, fiber arts and blacksmithing demonstrations will take place at the mill. A new Civil War artifact exhibit will also be on display.
Also new this year to Nonpareil is a Civil War battle re-enactment, slated for 2 p.m. The re-enactors will be setting up a campground west of Pears Mill Friday and will be available to answer questions.
The event will also showcase new and expanded downtown businesses. Patzer said Buchanan has a new day spa, floral shop and several expanded businesses.
A wine and craft brew garden, featuring Round Barn products, will also be available. Live music is scheduled throughout the day and people can also meet and purchase work from exhibiting artists, including Greg Allen, pottery; Margaret Bryant, fiber art; Angela Caldwell, jewelry; Michael Dalton, pottery; Adam Davison, leather and wood; Misty LaViolette, photography; Jan Quinn, metal sculpture; Ronda Skinner, pottery; Christina Rott, jewelry; Scott Tibble, photography; and Dave Wilkinson, sculpture and encaustics.
Musical performers include Monte Michel Blue and The Juli Wood Trio.
Patzer said the event has drawn several thousand people to downtown Buchanan each of the past two years and expects much of the same this year.
“It’s been very popular,” she said. “We’ve been fortunate to have good weather. We’ve been fortunate to have new businesses in town that people appreciate. We have had a lot of artist support too.”