MILFORD – From flowers and plants to fine art photograph, metal work and women’s clothing, the Great New England Spring Craft & Artisan Show will feature crafts from more than 125 crafters on Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6 at the Hampshire Dome.

Half of all the crafters are new to the fair, said organizer Jody Donahue.

Among the new ones will be Candace Dietz, author of the children’s book “A Bee Named Bea and Other Poems.”

Targeted to grandparents, the book offers life lessons and helps spark conversations. Bea the bee, for example can’t find a friend, and the poem encourages the child to make up a story about a lonely animal who finds a friend. Another poem, “A Goose Named Grace” prompts a talk about sharing.

In a phone interview, Dietz, who lives in Exeter, calls it her “happiness project,” and said she gives away the books to hospitals and schools.

“I’m very excited to have her,” Donahue said. “I am just amazed at what people can create.”

Dietz will be sharing her booth with her friend, Elena June Maccarone, a silkscreen artist who designs organic baby clothing under the label “Me & Marlee.” Some of her onesies with animal designs match up with characters from Dietz’s book.

Donahue is expecting 2,000-3,000 attendees, the same as last year, including a busload of residents of an assisted living facility in Portland, Maine.

Last year was Hampshire Hills’ first spring crafts show, planned after the success of the October crafts fair.

Activities include electric bike riding, glass painting and card making for the military. There will also be face painting, food samples, demonstrations and plenty of Mothers Day gifts.

There will be more than 75 raffles throughout the weekend, and everyone receives a ticket. Mothers will also be entered into a raffle for a spa day at Hampshire Hills.

All that activity requires fuel, and a Crafters Cafe will be serving hot food.

The fair is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3.p.m. at the Hampshire Dome on Emerson Road.

The $5 admission covers both days, and all parking is free. Children under 14 and active military are free.

For more information go to The Great New England Spring Craft & Artisan Show’s Facebook page.

Kathy Cleveland can be reached at 673-3100 or kcleveland@cabinet.com.