Join the shops and the Dresden community this July 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the annual America’s Basket Festival held on Main Street in Dresden and hosted by the Dresden Community Association.
Over 700 people have pre-registered so far, and over 1000 are expected to attend.
“Our sales have doubled from last year,” said Dresden Community Association President Darron Delancey. “Just today I had 50 plus customers in my store looking for baskets and accessories, almost all have returned to Dresden back from visits 30 years ago. It’s great to see customers from 1996! Dave Longaberger would be proud to see shoppers still buying baskets.”
The festival experience will begin at the Information Center (D&Co. Welcome Center), 517 Main Street, Dresden. Picnic Lunch in a Basket will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. (pre-registration required). Picnic blankets and tables will be set up at the World’s Largest Basket off of Main Street. A Longaberger Family Basket Signing event is planned, as well as a Rachel Longaberger Basket Signing at the Longaberger General Store from noon until 2:00 p.m. (limit 2 baskets per person). From 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., a Live Basket Auction will be held at the corner of 6th and Main (registration to bid is at 9:30 a.m.). All proceeds support Main Street Beautification by the Dresden Community Association and Friends of the Dresden Parks. Extra shopping opportunities will be available at Vendor’s Row from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. (typically located in the 600 block, location subject to change).
In addition to Destination Dresden-run activities, some individual shops will also be holding special sales and activities at their locations.
Smore Baskets will be opening at 8:00 a.m. during the day of the festival and will be offering complimentary pastries and refreshments, extra store discounts, a make-it-take-it item, a tent sale, selfie stations, carnival game raffles (free to play), a Christmas Backyard Bingo at 10:00 a.m., and AIM Outreach will have their ice cream truck on site (ice cream treats by donation).
Dresden’s Baskets & More will have several specials on items throughout the store and basket protectors in stock for both festival baskets.
Humble Heart will be handing out free notepads to all visitors.
Always Louise: Laser Engraved Gifts and More will be offering a free gift with every purchase and scratch-off coupons to receive special discounts for all customers. There will also be a drawing to win a basket of goodies from the shop. Hours will be extended to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Always Louise is one of Dresden’s newest businesses, so this is their first year participating in America’s Basket Festival.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the town come to life! I know this town was built on its love for baskets, so it will be neat seeing all the people come visit to celebrate that. I know that tourism is so important for small towns, so this will be a great event for all of us small business owners,” said Danielle Buck, owner of Always Louise.
While you are visiting Dresden, be sure to visit the local restaurants as well, including Main Street Pizzeria & Pub, The Warehouse Restaurant, Leni’s, The Dresden Brew Coffee Cafe (inside Beauty by Design Floral Boutique), and Scotties Den.
Free general admission registration can be done online through Eventbrite: ABF2026.eventbrite.com. There is no fee to enter the festival, although some activities do require pre-registration or advance purchase. Pre-registration is also required to purchase the 2026 Longaberger Event Basket ($69), Buzz into Dresden Friday Dinner & Gathering ($25), Picnic Lunch in a Basket ($89), and event t-shirt ($20). Popular activities, including Build A Basket and Paint A Basket, are all sold out.
The event is made possible because of the efforts of volunteers Mary Farmer, Diane Smith, Shirer Delancey, Dave and Donna Mathew, Janice Clark, Legion Post 399, SAL and Ladies Auxiliary, and many more.
For more information, visit America’s Basket Festival on Facebook or go to destinationdresden.com.
