Organizers have been busy preparing this week for the 42nd annual Mathews Market Days, which begins Friday and continues through Saturday in and around Mathews Court House.

One of the highlights of this year’s event will be the Arts and Crafts Show, with seven new artists and craftspeople, as well as 40 returning exhibitors.

Market Days will kick off both days at 9 a.m. and thousands of residents and visitors are expected to attend to enjoy the booths, food court, children’s games, organized activities and more.

“Visitors can expect to see a full show,” said Martha Hayes who with Rita Cutler co-chairs the arts and crafts show, a major part of Market Days. Hayes said special care is taken to make sure there is plenty of variety in the arts and crafts available, without one particular category having too many booths. 

“What really keeps the local flavor to our show that is so important to folks is the community organizations and businesses who have ...