More than 15 years ago, Robert Johnson began carving wood as a way to bond with his father.

Johnson’s father, Frank, made and sold wooden dollhouses until he died in 1991.He imparted his love of wood to his son, and together they spent their free time reading woodworking magazines, shopping for pieces and carving.

“He was like a friend,” Johnson said. “We’d go to the wood shop or talk about how we’d change our pieces from the plans in the magazines.”

Johnson and his wife, Fran, will carry on family tradition Sunday by selling their crafts at the 25th annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival. About 170 artists will exhibit their work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at South Park, 11th and Massachusetts streets.

The festival also will feature food, live music and children’s entertainment, including a moonwalk, wading pool and pony rides.

Duane Peterson, special events supervisor for the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, said an emphasis on family separated the Lawrence festival from similar festivals in the area this time of year.

“Many other shows are set up like a market with just the arts and crafts,” Peterson said. “We try to make sure we have a festive atmosphere with live entertainment and something for the kids to do.”

Peterson said he expected 8,000 to 10,000 visitors, and predicted a record turnout. He said art would be available in a variety of media with price ranges starting as low as $5.

Though Johnson admits he likes earning money for his art, he said what was more important was seeing the joy on his grandchildren’s faces when he gives them a toy he made.

Handcrafted wooden toys and dolls will be a few of the items Fran and Robert Johnson will display at the 25th annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival on Sunday at South Park. About 170 artists are expected at this year's show.

Johnson has exhibited his work at other shows, but this will be his first time at the Lawrence arts festival. He began selling his art about two years ago after retiring from his job installing window glass.

His hobby has turned out to be more hazardous than his job. As a glazier, he never suffered a major injury. But while making a wooden car for his grandson, Johnson cut himself on a saw and had to get stitches in his fingers.

Fran worries about her husband’s safety working with power tools, Johnson said.

“She always says she couldn’t do my woodworking,” he said. “But I know I couldn’t do her sewing without always sticking a needle into my hand.”

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Fran still works, so Johnson uses woodworking to relax and occupy his days. Otherwise, he said he’d probably just be watching TV.

“Woodworking gets your mind off the busy world,” Johnson said. “As long as you don’t cut your finger off.”