Not the government, the flag. They started making flags out of wood. They sold their first one at the Arlington Street Fair last weekend.

They were one of dozens of vendors selling crafts at the annual event.

Traci said a friend had a big wooden fence and was going to burn all the wood, but now they’ve used it to make art.

Traci, of Marysville, got the idea for the flags at another event when her brother-in-law saw something similar and said he wanted one. She said she could make him one cheaper. They sold some to family before deciding to try the craft fair circuit.

She said they thought they would sell well in Arlington because it’s so patriotic. They also can be ordered on Facebook at “Handmade Americana” or by emailing handmadeamericana@gmail.com.

Oz Ragland at the downtown Olympic Avenue New Beginnings Thrift Store actually had a booth outside of the store. He said some people just won’t go into a thrift store, but they will look and buy stuff if they are part of the street fair.

Mimi Tansayni of Arlington was in her USTA Martial Arts Arlington uniform, getting people to chop a board in half. Participants young and old gave it a try, usually with success because the board was notched to break apart easily like a puzzle.

Music also was a part of the festival.

At Legion Park, Robbie St. Jean won the Arlington Idol contest by singing a tune by Alicia Keys.

Robbie, 16, sang “If I Ain’t Got You” and won the $100 grand prize from the Downtown Arlington Business Association.

Three others took home $50 cash.

The winner of the Mini Idol award was Cassidy Williams, 13. Junior Idol went to Lexi Vanney, 14. And the Teen Idol was Elie Pleticha, 16, said Sarah Lopez, a recreation manager with the city.

Lots of other music also was played onstage, including pop rock by the band Slacker.

All types of clothing were sold at the event, including a tutu shop by Jessica McKenna of Marysville. A tutu can be made in Seahawk, Cougar or Husky colors, along with rainbow and many others. She’s on Facebook at Tutu2CuteShop.

Artwork also was displayed. A piece made by Cesar Candelas at the Mirkwood and Shire Cafe showed Lincoln and one of the villains from Spiderman.

Livi Joy of Marysville makes hoola hoops, and she sold them at the fair. She showed potential customers how easy it is to do it by twirling hoops around her arms, waist and legs. She’s on Facebook at LiviJoyHoops.

Karen Jensen of Arlington displayed a hot item at the fair. She makes stuffed animals that have hot bellies that are fun to snuggle up to. Michelle Bergemeier and daughters Cierra, 7, and Kiley, 6, of Arlington were impressed.

“I created and have been making them for twelve years. The belly comes out so you can wash them,” Jensen said, adding many have copied her invention.