Catering to virtually all five senses is the implicit calling card of the 2012 incarnation of the Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival. The day-long affair, set for Saturday, is again expected to attract thousands to Oakhurst Village’s Harmony Park. The free event is billed as a family-friendly celebration of the diverse Oakhurst community and the city of Decatur as well as a platform for artists and local musicians to display their talents.

“It’s got a really good neighborhood feel,” said Angie Macon of the Decatur Arts Alliance. “It’s a very community-oriented event, yet so many people from in-town Atlanta come through because Oakhurst is such a friendly and open place.”

The festival, presented by the Decatur Alliance, began 15 years ago with the two-pronged intention of showcasing area retail businesses and restaurants and lauding the historic neighborhood. It has since blossomed into a well-received fall tradition.

The event features more than 50 mostly local artists selling their wares — paintings, textiles and ceramics, among others.

Jewelry maker Ann Finley, a 2011 festival fan favorite, will again be in the fold this round.

“I always look forward to coming home to the Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival and visiting with customers who have supported me since the beginning,” Finley said. “Neighborhood shows like this one give me a chance to talk with the other artists and allow me to spend more time with people in my booth.

Artisans from the Callanwolde Clay Guild and Georgia Goldsmiths’ Group will also be in the mix.

This year’s lineup of live music acts includes Oakhurst Community Music Collective, Sehwe Village Percussion, In the Wheelhouse, The BooHoo Ramblers and the Swamp Funk Quartet.

The 5K Arts Run/Walk will kick things off at 8 a.m., followed by a full slate of entertainment, food offerings and attractions at Harmony Park — at the corner of East Lake Drive and Oakview Road — including a parade scheduled for 2 p.m.

As one would expect, the crowd on hand will likely include a large contingent of residents.

“[The festival] has got a real youthful feeling to it because so many young families have come to live here … but you also have a lot of people who have lived here forever,” Macon said. “We also have a lot of new talent … we’re really excited about the new artists becoming part of it.”