By LINDA HALL

Shopping this summer may take on a global flavor or even turn into a party.

Lederhosen and a polka band will be part of a summer celebration at Shisler's Cheese House outside of Kidron.

The business will commemorate its 50th anniversary on August 8 and 9, from noon to 2 p.m., welcoming local customers and perhaps some of the customers who have come to the Cheese House from all over the world.

"I hope everyone comes out," said owner Rita Shisler, highlighting a variety of activities designed to entertain visitors, including the contest in which Shisler will judge contestants wearing lederhosen, Bavarian-influenced leather shorts, often paired with suspenders, and then award a $100 gift certificate to the winner.

Other prizes are planned as well, she said, and free bratwurst sandwiches, freshly grilled, and sauerkraut will be offered to visitors.

Also on the agenda are a polka band, face painting and music; WKDD will broadcast the event.

"My business is so wonderful," Shisler said, looking forward to the upcoming birthday party for Shisler's Cheese House as a way to celebrate her favorite part of being an entrepreneur " meeting and greeting her customers.

World Crafts in Kidron celebrates with a global flavor all year long, while also ensuring fair trade practices for people who produce goods in developing countries, manager Lisa Zuercher said.

When people choose to shop at World Crafts, they are promoting good working conditions, justice and equity in commercial ventures across the globe, she said.

The word "Crafts" in its title may almost be misleading, according to Zuercher, because the store offers a broad inventory " jewelry, bags, scarves, pots and planters for patios and gardens, all kinds of household decor, and ethnic instruments; and, of course, she said, fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate.

World Crafts also features a "nativity room," Zuercher said. "We sell Christmas items year-round."

An upcoming Fiesta promotional will feature a CD sampler of world music, available for free in July and August, while supplies last, with just a $5 purchase, Zuercher said.

"It's great music; I love it," she said.

Area shoppers this summer have still another opportunity " beautifying their homes inside and out.

At Kiko's Greenhouse in Dalton, it's not too late to spruce up landscaping.

"We have nice stuff here yet," owner Jim Kiko said, including perennials, annuals and hanging baskets. "We also have tons of lawn ornaments and gifts."

At Bunker Hill Furniture, proprietor David Good said he has been working with wood most of his life. He has refurbished some items he described as "basket cases" and turned them into heirlooms.

"We use a specialty finishing shop that I believe is one of the best," Good said, incorporating finishes with colors from natural to black.

Even distressed, worn wood can be "deluxed,' he said, given new life to become a treasured piece.

And nothing says summer like a freshly baked pie " one of 25 varieties available at Troyer's Home Pantry in Apple Creek.

"We're starting (to sell) key lime pies " that's something new," Troyer said, adding pies and cinnamon rolls continue to increase in popularity.

Enjoy summer with a celebratory shopping experience.

Reporter Linda Hall can be reached at 330-264-1125, Ext. 2230, or e-mail lhall@the-daily-record.com.