The town will be hopping this weekend with an estimated 200,000 visitors at the annual Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts.

More than 500 artists from around the United States will feature paintings, sculptures, photography and one-of-a-kind crafts Friday through Sunday on the Avenue of the Fountains and a portion of Saguaro Boulevard from Palisades Boulevard to Paul Nordin Parkway.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Nationwide Insurance is the official sponsor. The festival is one of two arts and crafts events that are the major revenue source for the Chamber of Commerce.

Visitors will find two food courts to satisfy their appetites, said Chamber events manager Sharon Morgan. One will be located on Saguaro Boulevard at the foot of the Avenue; the second will extend along Verde River Drive to Paul Nordin Parkway.

A vacant lot at the northeast end of the Avenue and Saguaro and a second lot at the corner of Verde River Drive and Paul Nordin Parkway will be reserved for vendors.

The public will park in Plat 208 between the Avenue and Parkview and on adjacent streets

Streets will close by 3 p.m., Thursday to motor vehicle traffic to allow the artists to erect their booths.