It's been happening for 48 years, but there is always something new at the Mad River Valley Craft Fair.
The most unusual booth setup? Shannon Morrison of N3Potter, Waterbury, brings her Burro camper and uses the kitchenette to set up a display of her pottery. Custom work? Sue Carey of Marble Meadows, Wallingford, makes felted animals and will even make a small version of a pet. The newest category of handcrafted items? Spirits. Both Mad River Distillers and Barr Hill will have tastings and sell their spirits. Barr Hill also sells honey. Products from afar? Dafni Greek Gourmet is family run and brings olive oil and other Greek products to Waitsfield. Most well-known artist? Woody Jackson of Holy Cow, Middlebury (think Ben & Jerry’s colorful cows; yes, he did their original artwork). Not a typical craft fair purchase? Would that be an antler chandelier by Ken Kenia of Mad River Antler, Waitsfield, or a raincoat made by Cindy Walsh of Red Rover Clothing company, Framingham, MA?
And there are artists who teach their craft professionally, others that are authors and some that have unusual sidelines like Stuart Wilkins of Fiddlebark, Fairfield, Vermont, who offers his lighting and home decor to wedding planners. Items are made out of recycled fabric, natural-shed antlers, license plates, Alpaca wool, botanicals and more.
Kids can come get their faces painted, jump in the free bounce house and have homemade ice cream or lemonade. Those who are 21 or older can come to the Man Cave for a cocktail and then shop. The craft fair benefits the Valley Players Theater and also hosts a number of local nonprofits including the Rotary’s Duck Race. Tickets are good for both days and entrants are eligible to win more than 20 door prizes. Come to Kenyon’s Field, 3337 Main Street, Waitsfield, Saturday and Sunday, Labor Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with four bands, seated massage and a varied food court. www.madrivercraftfair.com.
