Community members taking a leisurely stroll around downtown Landrum Saturday can take in a plethora of arts, crafts, produce and home and garden items.

The Landrum Area Business Association and the City of Landrum will host the 2011 Home and Garden Stroll May 28 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“The whole point of this was to offer something close to home to show people they can shop local, buy local,” said Melanie Jennings, president of LABA. “Gas prices are so high and the highways are always dangerous on Memorial Day weekend, so this is something local for families to enjoy – something that is more hometown.”

The day will include antique cars rotating in and out, a variety of vendors selling jewelry, fresh produce and ironworks. The Depot will be open for attendees to peruse a large collection of model trains and antique cars will rotate in and out throughout the day.

Vendors will line the street beginning at 10 a.m.

“We have a lot of stores here in Landrum themselves that sell home décor and garden features within their businesses already,” Jennings said. “Bringing the idea of the stroll in is so we can feature all of the downtown businesses and local vendors.”

Some of those vendors include a more than 90-year-old woman who makes pine needle baskets and sculptors presenting art glass and glazed wood items.

Live music will take the stage from 1-5 p.m., featuring Special Edition from 3-5 p.m.

As for food vendors, the Foothills Mennonite Chapel plans to offer barbecued chicken, sides and banana pudding. The group is attempting to raise funds for a mission trip to Uganda.

Jennings said the carriage company that typically offers rides the second Friday of every month will also be on hand.

Among all of these festivities, each business along main street anticipates getting to greet new customers.

City Manager Steven Wolochowicz said the city wants this event to bring people out to Landrum’s downtown area that haven’t recently visited the shops and create a unique atmosphere for them to experience the area.

“Our goal has and continues to be to make Landrum a destination place for visitors and residents alike,” said Wolochowicz. “This is one of those events we hope to have something out there for everybody… and possibly our merchants will be able to do some business and cash in on a good community event.”

Many of these businesses also plan to exhibit quilts in promotion of the upcoming Landrum Quilt Show June 9-10.

The Mail Room, First Citizens Bank, Body Sculpture, Expressions, Architectural Warehouse and stores on Trade Street will display quilts. East Rutherford Street businesses taking part are Treasures Old and New, PJ’s, American Design, Covington and Company, The Landrum Antique Mall, Elaine’s Attic and Foothills Amish Furniture. Market Antiques on Thrift Avenue, the Landrum Library, Landrum City Hall and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills will also exhibit quilts, most of which are provided by the Landrum Quilters.