A child paints on the canvass at last year’s Art on the Ridge. Sometimes the best things come in small packages. And on May 1 one of those small packages is promising a large day of fun and frivolity. The elite will meet and the fine will dine when they show up for the fourth annual arts festival in the town of Ridgeway.

Tucked away in the hills a little north of Blythewood, Ridgeway is planning “Arts on the Ridge,” a festival that opens the town to the public and introduces what the residents call one of Columbia’s best kept secrets, according to Virginia Lacy, the festival chairperson.

“This year we are offering so much variety and all of the stores, shops and restaurants are participating,” Lacy said. “We have a lot of talent in our little town, and we are bringing even more in from the surrounding areas of Fairfield, Lexington, and Richland Counties.”

In addition to the arts and crafts vendors, art displays, and ongoing music throughout the day, unique restaurants such as Laura’s Tea Room and Rebecca’s eatery will be on hand for food and beverage, adult and otherwise, Lacy said.

“When we first had the idea for the festival, we wanted to celebrate the Fairfield County artists as well as present our historical culture,” she said. “Over the years it’s just grown and grown. The first year it was just the local artists displaying their wares then we added music and quilters and from there it has continued to grow.”

Tina Johnson owns a unique boutique, Over the Top, featuring hats, accessories, and many distinctive gifts and pieces of jewelry. She hosts book signings and will have Karen Petit, a children’s author, signing books at her store on the main street.

“Our store caters to ladies with a flare for hats, handbags, and jewelry, and Karen is a writer with her own distinguishing style so she will fit right in with the clientele. We recently had Chris Rock’s mother, Rosa, in to sign her book, and it was a huge success. I know Karen will be as well.”

Lynn Floyd Wright, another well known children’s author and Cal Harrison who wrote the book Beauti ful Places: The Timeless Beauty of South Carolina State Parks and Rev. John Williams who wrote Heaven’s Area Code will also be signing their books around the town. Along with the book signings, music and food, there will also be furniture displays, woodworking, glass blowers, basket weaving and painters and artists of almost every medium, Lacy said.

“The way we’ve planned it is that no matter what part of town you’re in, something will be happening. It’s all geared to be a great deal of fun and the best part is that except for purchases people make, it’s all free.”

The festival starts at 10 am Saturday May 1 and will run until 4 pm. For more information, directions or to inquire about renting a booth, contact Lacy at (803) 337-3269.