By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – The Chelsea High School Band Boosters will host its annual Chelsea Day arts celebration and fundraiser Oct. 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Chelsea City Hall with vendors and artists coming from across the state to participate.

The event is free for the public to attend and includes a silent auction and booths showcasing jewelry, Mary Kay beauty products, Pampered Chef, crochet, pottery, woodworking and more.

On average, the arts fundraiser brings in about $10,000 annually, said Chelsea High School Band Boosters president Scarlet Walker. In past years, funds have been used to purchase instruments for the growing band, though Walker said the band is looking to purchase new uniforms in the future.

“We have 167 marching this year,” said Walker, referring to growth the band has seen over the last four years. “Prior to that, we had closer to 30.”

Last year, Walker said the fundraiser had about 5,000 people in attendance and 87 vendors. This year, about 50 vendors have signed up so far with space available for 100. Walker said she expects more vendors to trickle in as the event nears.

“(We’ll accept applications) as long as we have space,” she said.

Booths will be set up outside City Hall with the silent auction set up inside. Silent auction items will include themed gift baskets created by each of the band’s sections, as well as large-ticket items such as vacation packages and sporting event tickets donated by the band boosters, Walker said. Silent auction winners will be announced at 2:30 p.m.

Local schools will also perform throughout the day.

Booth prices start at $35 for a 10-by-10-foot booth, and vendors will be accepted until space is full. For more information, contact Scarlet Walker at 529-3750 or Chelseahighband@yahoo.com.