Crafts galore during Arrow Rock Heritage Craft Festival.

The village of Arrow Rock has a population of fewer than 100 people, but Saturday thousands gathered for the 41st annual Arrow Rock Heritage Craft Festival.

More than 50 crafters of all types lined the streets of Arrow Rock offering their wares.

Tim Murphy, of Hannibal, has been selling his knives and other items made of antlers, bones and stone for more than 10 years during the festival. Murphy began flint knapping in 1993.

“I saw someone doing it and I said, ‘I’m going to try it out,’ ” Murphy said.

He uses arrow heads for knives and bones for decorative items.

“Every culture made stone tools, and that’s what’s neat about it. It connects all people,” he said.

Murphy often trades to gain his supplies such as deer antlers.

“They are gifts and I am fortunate to be able to mess with them,” he said.

Jay Hickman, of Fulton, makes American Indian wood flutes.

“I’ve always woodworked,” Hickman said.

He became interested in making the flutes after visiting Colorado and hearing them being played.

“I stopped dead in my tracks,” Hickman said after hearing the sound. It has taken him about three years to perfect the flutes that are made of multiple types of wood.

“Walnut has more of a snap sound to it and willow has a deep, haunting sound,” Hickman said.

It was Hickman’s first time selling in Arrow Rock and he said the festival is great.

Keith Anderson is on the marketing committee for the Village of Arrow Rock and said the event features crafts from the 1830s to the 1860s, as well as modern-day items.

“It’s a way of reconnecting with the past,” Hickman said.

Each year, the two-day event attracts about 3,000 visitors to tour the historic buildings, listen to live music and enjoy homemade foods.

“It’s a good festival and the trees are beautiful,” Hickman said.

Carolyn and Wally Vincent, of Macon, attended the festival for the third time with their rescue dog, Rambo.

“It’s a beautiful day and a laid-back atmosphere,” Carolyn said.

“All towns in Missouri need something like this,” Wally said.

The two shopped for craft items while they snacked on kettle corn.

“I just love to see the various talents,” Carolyn said. “It just amazes me.”

Wally said they were still shopping and they would not leave empty-handed.

Mike and Mary Braun, of Independence, visited Arrow Rock to see a friend and did not know about the festival.

“It’s wonderful,” Mike said.

The Brauns said the village has done a great job with the festival and they felt like they were in a different time period.

“It feels so authentic,” Mary said. The two said they may visit again next year.

Events continue today beginning at 8:45 a.m. with an old-fashioned worship service and last until 5 p.m.