BATH — Organizers are seeking more artists and craftsmen for the festival described as a place “where art meets history.”

On May 28, Bath Fest merges with the town’s First Port Celebration, a celebration of the 300^th anniversary of Bath’s designation as North Carolina’s first port. The dual events promise to be steeped in history, and Bath Fest organizers are hoping to expand the number of vendors to match.

“Normally the vendors like the small town atmosphere, the shady streets, the historic walking tour venue,” said Phoebe Wahab, a Bath Fest committee member. “It just makes for a nice street fair.”

Traditionally scheduled for an earlier date in May, Bath Fest was moved to Memorial Day weekend in order to combine the two events. Wahab said she was unsure whether the change in date resulted in fewer artists and crafters applying, but the day would have plenty of artistic representation regardless.

Included on the schedule of Bath Fest events are performances by the Bath Elementary School junior high band, choruses and an outdoor exhibit of students’ artwork.

“They show work they’ve done through the course of the year, including the work that was in the Student Art Show,” Wahab said. “That’s one thing about a small town like Bath: grandmas come out, aunts, uncles. It’s quite a big deal.”

Throughout the school year, BES art teacher Ruth Miller prompts students to work from themes — this year’s themes include portraying young people’s lives in 1716 for the younger students; depictions of ships and other aspects of maritime history for the older students, Wahab said.

While some students will walk away with prizes for their artwork, Bath Fest committee members are hoping for more options for visitors to purchase and take home as souvenirs of this unique event, according to Wahab.

One of the vendor requirements that sets Bath Fest apart from other street fairs is that goods must be handmade, not mass produced. Natural bath and body products, jewelry, hand-painted signs, woodwork, birdhouses, lawn décor, woven baskets and more have all made appearances at past Bath Fests.

“It’s a lot of variety and it’s all original arts and crafts,” Wahab said.

Those interested in becoming a vendor at the Bath Fest–First Port Celebration can download an application at bathfest.com or call the Historic Bath State Historic Site at 252-923-3971.