The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront is all about tradition, right?

Well, what could be more traditional than shopping? I mean, I’ve been doing it for years. And it’s a skill that has been passed on through the generations – you should see my mother’s shoe collection, and my grandfather’s closet made Jay Gatsby look like an amateur.

This year, festivalgoers will have plenty of traditions to celebrate. All the old favorites and a handful of exciting newcomers will showcase the best of the region’s handcrafts.

Let’s start with jewelry, of which I cannot get enough. Among my must-visit destinations is the booth of Lisa Bess, a jewelry designer from Portland who creates fabulous, whimsical and affordable “Adornments.” ShopGirl Jr. bought me one of her necklaces last year, and her badge holders were a huge hit.

Terry Williamson will return with his elegant wire-wrapped gems, while Micmac Indian Crafts and Native Arts Gallery will sell gorgeous jewelry crafted from horn, bone, silver and precious stones. and I’m dying to see the offerings from Finesse, founded by two gals who were allergic to most jewelry – I might just be able to pick up something for my nickel-sensitive best friend.

I was thrilled to see Lacey Brown of Eclectic Art Designs on the roster this year. My in-laws gave me one of her colorful beaded bracelets, and I adore it. Glass work and beaded designs from P’nina Kaplan are new this year, as are the house pins that will benefit the Bangor chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Among the familiar faces in the vendor tent will be Paula Farrar of Done Roving Farm. Her knitted items and hand-dyed yarns are amazing. Jo Eaton’s crocheted hats aren’t to be missed – I love the sunflower design – and neither is Rosemarie DiLernia’s intricately knotted linen jewelry. Speaking of knots, Mildred Crocker will be on hand with her spectacular tatted lacework.

Melissa Mattes of Sedgwick offers a new, artistic take on traditional Mongolian felting, while Kathleen Koveleski of Sew ‘n Wild Oats cooks up fleecy items of a different kind. Her polar fleece baby buntings, which cover a car seat, are just about the cutest things I’ve seen.

No babies in your life? No matter. You still can get Soft as a Baby’s Behind – really, it’s a salve – from Mountain Mama of Maine. The toiletries are always awesome, and this year is no exception. Check out the raspberry lip balm from Naturally Bee-Ewe-tiful, the pet-care products from Maine Coast Herbals, the olive oil soaps from Field of Dreams and the bubble-bath bonbons from Sage Advice Herbs that look good enough to eat.

The pickled goodies from Stanchfield Farm, on the other hand, really are good enough to eat – without any pesky suds. So, too are the maple offerings from J.L. Dyke Farms and Bob’s Sugarhouse. And you can wash it all down with a pot of herbal tea from Common Folk Farm.

What I really want to do is curl up in front of a fire with a cup of tea in my hand, and one of John Halloran’s braided rugs at my feet. They’re warm and beautiful in an old-school way. Oh, and I’d be wrapped in a stunningly chic quilt from Spring Street Co. And jotting down my thoughts in a journal from Mermaid Bindery, a new vendor that offers traditionally bound books, boxes and albums.

When it comes to tradition, nothing is more “Maine” than woodworking. This year, Norumbega Woodcarvers and Maine Bird Carvings will both offer decoys, while Island Intarsia will sell unique inlaid scenes. Fine Pine Designs will return with hardwood furniture, and Jeff Peterson of Peterson’s Woodworking will again sell his simply elegant kitchen implements, bowls and accessories, inspired by his Swedish heritage.

Island Falls Canoe will display canoe kits, plans and materials, while Cabin Creations will offer wood-burned signs and scenes. Dorothy Lawrence of the Basket Tree – a folk festival standby – again will offer woven backpacks and work baskets. Another festival favorite, Mark Wren of Wrenovations Stained Glass, will return with his luminous artwork.

Not surprisingly, I’ll have my eye on the purses and hand-tooled belts from Robert Dickens of Ellsworth. Well, those and the handmade slippers and shoes from Quoddy Trail Moccasin Co.

Like I said, the folk festival is all about tradition – and I plan to keep my family’s rich shoe shopping heritage alive for many generations to come.

Food for thought

For the first time, the Taste of Maine Tent will allow local food vendors to showcase their wares. Following is a list of specialty food producers and their offerings:

. Fieldstone Farms: All-natural, low-sugar fruit and berry spreads

. Pastor Chuck Orchards: Organic apple butter and applesauce

. Nelson’s Candies: Popcorn, fudge, peanut brittle

. Quoddy Mist Sea Salt: Maine sea salt, seasoning blends

. Raye’s Mustard Mill: Stone-ground mustards

. Robin’s Chocolate Sauce: Gourmet flavored chocolate sauces

. The Blue Bird: Blueberry vinaigrette

. W.O. Hesperus Co.: Gourmet hot sauce and fiery foods

. Worcester’s Wild Blueberries: Blueberry jam, jelly, syrup, honey, fresh blueberries