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Once again local and foreign tourists will be flocking to the small town of Ratchaburi next weekend, on the hunt for traditional treasures and contemporary creativity. The draw is the colourful "All About Arts" fair, which brings an extra buzz at the end of each month to the century-old Ched Samian Market.

The Suan Silp Baan Din Art Centre in collaboration with Patravadi Theatre plays host to local artists showing their work and holding workshops on painting and sculpture, as well as dance and acrobatic performances. There will also be hundreds of vendors selling all sorts of Thai delicacies and handicrafts at bargain prices.

"The fair aims to mix modern art with traditional Thai culture," says Suan Silp Baan Din Art Centre's owner Manop Meejamrat.

Visitors can step back in time by picking up bits and pieces at one of the market's original grocery stores, or stop by at Jakkit Santirongyot's place - he's turned his 70-year-old house into a museum displaying traditional goldsmith's tools and 40-year-old magazines and novels. Then there's the art school, showcasing black-and-white photographs depicting the Ched Samian community of 50 years ago. The school also offers art classes conducted by Chaiwat Aphirataudhomchai.

Those weary of browsing around can take a break and indulge in delights like Ratchaburi noodles with eggs (Bt25), hor mok thaley - steamed fish cakes (Bt15), khao kriab pak mor, or steamed rice-skin dumplings (Bt10) and hoy thod, or fried mussel pancake (Bt20). If you've got a sweet tooth, choose from traditional desserts like khanom la paktai's crispy rice waffle roll, chao guay - black jelly in syrup - and khanom krok, or soft rice cakes - all Bt10 per portion.

XTRA

Get creative

>> All About Arts takes place at the Cultural Park at the Ched Samien Market on June 27 to 29 from 5pm.

>> "Life, Love and Death", a mythology-inspired dance-theatre production by Hoichiu and Maggie Blue of Hong Kong's Fringe Club, runs at the Suan Silp Baan Din Art Centre from next Friday to Sunday, 7.30 to 8.30pm. There'll be dance workshops too. Call (02) 412 7287.

>> Admission to all events is free.

>> Call (032) 397 668, (02) 417 7287-8 or visit ww.PatravadiTheatre.com.