Tammy Johnson, a community partner of Downtown Benton, Inc., predicts good weather for Saturday’s Back in Time Antique Street Festival and meteorologists seem to agree.

“We are expecting more than 40 vendors to participate and invite visitors and residents to also visit the five antique malls located on the Benton Public Square,” she said. “The fun begins at 8 a.m. Vendors will have everything imaginable displayed around the square and bargains can also be found inside the stores.”

The proprietory owner of Memories Antiques and Collectables said vendors are traveling from 250 miles to attend the event.

“In addition to the variety of antiques and crafts, we have a clown portrayed by Woody Glenn of Mt. Vernon. He will hold the interest of children while their parents shop and look at the multitude of displays,” Johnson said. “We believe this year’s event to be even bigger and better than last year and hope to have a great turnout. We have most of the spots reserved for Saturday’s show and sale.”

Johnson said participants are encouraged to bring their treasures for appraisal.

“Rummage through your attics and basements and bring those family heirlooms to Dan Malkovich Park for appraisal,” she said. “We have held appraisal costs the same as in years past, at $5 per item. The Antiques off the Road Show is always a popular part of the annual Antique Street Festival. The appraisal show runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.”

DBI organization committee chair Alan Odom said restaurants would be serving their menu fare, in addition to vendors on the square.

“Chartwell’s is bringing their enormous grill for all of the hungry patrons,” he said. “The aroma of grilling food is pretty hard to beat. There is something for the primitive collectors inside the antique malls and on parking spots around the square. We expect vendors to have a lot of one of a kind items.”

Odom said the event would not be complete without wheels.

“Antique tractor and car lovers will probably flock around the vehicles,” he said. “The street festival offers something for everyone. It is a great way to support our community and bring people into town. People are usually in a good mood during this type of event and that adds to the spirit of the festival.”

He said an art show inside The Buzz is another popular part of the event. “Artisans work in 13 categories will be on display,” Odom said. “The best of the best will receive $50.”

Odom said the festival ends at 5 p.m. For more information, call DBI at 439-6105.