Since 1974, Louise Traxler has been hauling handmade floral arrangements to Vicksburg for the annual spring arts and crafts show. In her time there, she has seen many changes, but one thing remains the same – the people.

&#8220I love to go and see old friends,” she said.

In the beginning, she was one of 30 vendors who surrounded the Old Court House. Saturday, she will set up shop again for the show, now in its 38th year.

This Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., she will be one of more than 115 showcasing goods along Washington Street, from China to Jackson streets.

At 70, Traxler, who lives in Claiborne County, has no desire to end her 32-year stretch. Her circuit once included festivals in Mississippi and neighboring states – hitting in Memphis, Natchez, Canton, Diamondhead and Vicksburg – but she has slowed down in the last few years, she said.

&#8220My husband doesn’t like it since my knees got bad,” she said. &#8220If he had his way … but, I think I will keep doing Canton and Vicksburg.”

Before each festival, Traxler takes about 30 to 40 arrangements and about 30 wreaths to her booth, which was in the same spot near the Old Court House for years before the festival was moved to Cherry, then Washington.

The craft show was moved to Washington Street three years ago when the Old Court House was undergoing repairs. Since the move, Riverfest organizers decided the two events worked well along the same street and to stay at the new venue, said Riverfest board member and craft festival organizer Erin Powell. There is a fall flea market around court square in October.

Traxler arrives before daylight and gets busy setting up her tent and unloading the crafts. Soon after, the people begin to fill the street, eagerly making their way to their favorite booths.

&#8220There’s a big rush as soon as it starts. You have to be ready by 8,” she said.

The flowers she arranges in vases and on oval, grapevine wreaths have been a big seller since she began. In fact, it’s rare she returns home to her house in Carlisle with any remaining, she said.

&#8220Everybody says they’re beautiful and inexpensive,” she said of her customers, who are mostly regulars who come to her booth early to get the best selection.

Her wreaths, which range in price from $25 to $35, are filled with colorful silk flowers and she often incorporates flowers that represent the year’s trends. Her best-sellers include her old standby flowers, such as magnolias and sunflowers.

&#8220I love getting new flowers,” she said. &#8220The magnolias are always popular, though. Everybody wants a magnolia.”

Powell said she was surprised to learn that Traxler has been attending the festival for so long and believes no other vendor has been there longer.

Barry Graham, who ran the show for two years with his wife, Cathleen, before turning it over to the Riverfest board, said many vendors return to the annual festival because it focuses on art and handmade crafts.

&#8220That particular arts and crafts festival is geared more toward fine arts. Most of the organizers focus on handmade crafts and try to keep this show specifically that,” he said. &#8220I think the crafters come because of that.”

Traxler said that in her 32 years many faces have come and gone, whether that be the vendors or the customers. But she continues to do it for the people – new and old.

&#8220I just like to do the show – to see the people,” she said.