CEDAR FALLS - When "road closed" signs go up Saturday on Main Street, don't expect heavy equipment to roll in.

Streets and intersections will be crowded with pedestrians only, along with artists, musical entertainment, dancers and children's activities during Artapalooza '08. The third annual event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the 100 to 400 blocks of Main Street. Admission is free.

Last year's event drew an estimated 3,500 people. Organizers hope this year's expanded event will attract even more patrons to the fall arts festival. "We've moved into the 400 block for our children's activities, which opens the rest of the street to pedestrians and allows better flow. There will be activities in the intersections, too, and an entertainment stage," says Colleen Graham, who is co-chairing the event with Julie Shimek.

Sponsors are Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau, Regions Bank and KWWL-TV.

"This is an official 'cultural district' and we need to reinforce that idea that Cedar Falls is a cultural, arts and entertainment destination," says Shimek. The community was designated a Cultural District in 2004 by the state. "The event brings people downtown to patronize the arts and our merchants. The children's activities encourage youth to be creative, to get interested in the arts."

Thirty-eight local and regional artists will be featured in the invitational juried show, including ceramics, metal, acrylics, watercolor, batik, photography, pastels, beading, glass, carving, fiber and mixed media. Merchants will participate with sponsored activities along the sidewalk, and visitors are encouraged to stop and eat at restaurants located along the Parkade.

"It's one of the biggest retail days of the year for downtown merchants," says Jan Andersen, a member of the planning committee and events and promotion coordinator for Cedar Falls' Community Main Street. "Many merchants will open at 9 a.m. to coincide with the festival."

Committee member Phyllis Carter has organized a small army of volunteers to work on Saturday. "The kids are back in school, fall is nearly here and it takes a lot of volunteers spending the whole day to make it run smoothly. We're in direct competition with a couple of other events in the area, and this festival gives people something fun to do in their own community," she points out.

In the 100 block, visitors will find the following artists: Karen Grabowski, acrylics; Dave Leeper, metal; Art Strong, raku; Shirley Shirley, jewelry; Peggy Novak, batik; Honor Heindl, photography; Deidra Noborikawa, watercolor; Ryan Bonjour, pottery; Alice Dolgener, watercolor; Doug Cole, pottery. Rick Vanderwall will provide entertainment at Cup of Joe.

In the 200 block, look for Darla Ellickson, jewelry; Frank Smith, wood inlay; Jon Schneckloth, stoneware; Emily Meyer, mixed; Pat Moreland, ceramic; Cheryl Jacoby, watercolor; Dusty Scott, abstract; Nate and Hollie Evans, stoneware; Esther Cheng, watercolor; James Kerns, pottery; Linda Scallon, pastels; Lawrette See, beads; Arliss Kelsey, painting; Terry McGinnis, glass. Alex Roelfsena will perform on the hour from 1 to 3 p.m. in the 200 block.

Entertainment in the Second Street intersection will feature Kinetic Energy performances, accompanied by the Etereo String Quartet on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 300 block will feature Kat Barron Miller, jewelry; Xanthe Walker, mixed; Robb Klassen, photography; Bekah Ash, oils; Mel Meyers, carving; Shawn Wolter, mixed; Beckie Scheel, fibers; Anne Ferguson, jewelry; Priscilla Meyermann, watercolor; Shawna Zeck, beadwork; Tracy Sweet, acrylic; Tia Woods, mixed and Doug Reynolds, pottery.

On stage in the 300 block, entertainment will include the Drum Slingers, 9 a.m.; Suzuki Players, 10:30 a.m.; Uncle Chuck, 11 a.m.; California Street Sax Quartet, noon; Cedar Falls High School Jazz Band, 1:30 p.m.; Uncle Chuck, 3 p.m. Chalk artist Casey Bellach will be drawing in the Third Street intersection.

Children's activities are planned in the 400 block, including tie-dyes, paper flowers, pet rocks, art car, book swap, painted fish, face painting, Legos and more.