Nonprofits conduct fundraisers to finance their own altruistic endeavors. The events are key components of the organizations' financial systems.

But there aren't too many nonprofits staging fundraisers with the express intent of funding other nonprofits.

"Service Above Self" is more than the Rotary Club of Lititz's motto. The local nonprofit exemplifies it and lives it, perhaps most notably through its upcoming event.

"We raise money for other nonprofits," said Tom Oehme, who's been the Rotary Club of Lititz's craft show chairman for 30 years. "After all of our expenses are paid, the money goes back into the community. Our goal is to serve our community."

This year's edition of the Rotary Club of Lititz's annual craft show will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. over 12 blocks of closed streets in Lititz's downtown business district. The rain-or-shine event, which is free to attend, is one of the largest one-day craft shows in Pennsylvania.

"We attract a lot of shoppers to the event," said Oehme. "We have a large variety of crafts that draw people in. We sort of tie up the whole town. It's a good day for the downtown merchants, especially the restaurants."

Up to 450 crafters are expected to peddle their wares at the craft show, everything from handmade jewelry and dolls to soaps and bath oils, from hats and artisan home goods to antiques and yard ornaments, from dried flowers and unique art to clothing and signs. Half of the vendors originate from surrounding communities and elsewhere in Lancaster County, while the other half come from outside the county, including as far away as Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and New York.

The vendors will set up their display tables and tents in 10-foot spaces on East Main Street from Broad Street to Oak Street and along Broad Street from Orange Street to Front Street. Vendors are encouraged to demonstrate their wares and interact with visitors.

"Some of the vendors have stores and make a living out of it," said Oehme. "Some do it as a hobby. They're pretty darn creative. They make things you'd never expect."

In addition to the local downtown restaurants, some local nonprofits will be on hand selling refreshments.

"It's a busy day," said Oehme. "There's sort of a festival-type feel to it. There's a lot of activity. You see people carrying all kinds of stuff as they're leaving the show. I would just encourage people to come out and enjoy it."

As many as 40,000 people are expected to attend the Rotary Club of Lititz's craft show. Organizers are hoping to realize $60,000 from the event, and proceeds will be distributed to as many as 30 local nonprofits and civic organizations, including fire companies and first responders, educational causes and Lititz Meals on Wheels.

"It's an important fundraiser because it's our only one," said Oehme.

It takes about 15 volunteers, most of whom are associated with the Rotary Club of Lititz, to stage the craft show.

"On the morning of the show, we have people who will help the vendors find their spaces and get unloaded," said Oehme. "After about 8 a.m., there's not much for us to do except sit back and watch the people."

The craft show has been a downtown Lititz tradition since 1979. The early shows included only local vendors.

"It's grown tremendously," said Oehme. "When it first started, it was held on the first block of Main Street. It was held on the sidewalk, and there was still traffic in the streets. I got involved with it in its second year, and I grew along with the show."

Next year, the Rotary Club of Lititz will mark its 100th anniversary as a group. Currently, the organization counts 30 individuals among its membership and meets once a week, on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Lititz Springs Inn, 14 E. Main St., Lititz.

For additional information, go to http://www.lititzrotary.com.