The Longaberger name is once again proudly displayed on one of Dresden’s Main Street storefronts. It is a long-awaited homecoming for sure, and it will be celebrated as part of a two-day festival (unofficially three, if you include the Legacy Dinner, held the day prior – details on page 9).
America’s Basket Festival will begin on Friday, June 2 with a block party from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Union Square (701 Chestnut Street) and the official opening and ribbon cutting for the Longaberger General Store (located at 600 Main Street) at noon.
The festivities will continue on Saturday, June 3rd as Dresden continues to celebrate with a continuation of the block party at Union Square from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and a five-part lecture series starting at 11:00 a.m., each one lasting approximately a half hour. Additionally, there will be a trolley car ride that begins at The Patio Shops (608 Main St.) at the top of every hour touring you through town showcasing main points of interest, a make-your-own-basket opportunity at the Dresden & Company Workshop (pre-register at destinationdresden.com), a chance to learn more about future plans for Dresden (517 Main St.) and bring your own basket to Beauty By Design and shop owner Tara will help you make an arrangement. Of course, Dresden’s basket shops, boutiques, and restaurants will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Longaberger General Store will also be open where you can have your basket signed by a Longaberger family member and more.
This first annual event is organized by the Dresden Community Association with Longaberger as the major sponsor and additional sponsorships from Lepi & Associates Real Estate Services, WHIZ Media Group, Visit Zanesville, Friends of Dresden Parks, Sons of American Legion.
“The goal for the weekend is to reintroduce the country to Dresden as “America’s Basket Making Capital,” stated Michael Kennedy, one of the event organizers.
For more information visit destinationdresden.com.
Schedule of Events
Friday, June 2
Union Square Block Party
701 Chestnut Street
10AM – 8PM
Listen to the best of regional live music, chow down at our food trucks and drink up at our beer garden, and shop American-made craft vendors.
Friday, June 2
Longaberger General Store Ribbon Cutting
600 Main Street
12PM – 12:30PM
Saturday, June 3
Union Square Block Party
701 Chestnut Street
10AM – 8PM
Saturday, June 3
Lecture Series at Union Square
701 Chestnut Street
11:00 am: Discover the rich history of North American basketry
11:30 am: Learn about the 100-year legacy of Longaberger basket making
12:00 pm: Hear how baskets are designed and made today in Dresden
12:30 pm: Discover the inspiring history of the Village of Dresden
1:00 pm: Discover Dresden’s future plans by graduate students from Ohio State University’s Knowlton School of Architecture
