Charcuterie boards crafted from Adirondack woods, scented soaps produced in Castleton from the milk of a unique breed of goats and whimsical candles created by a candlemaker in Schroon Lake are some of the items shoppers found at the 2nd Annual Fall Fest Craft & Vendor Fair. The fair was held Saturday, Oct. 29, at The Barn at French Mountain, the former Wild West Ranch, which now operates as a wedding and event venue.
The vendors spread out beyond the barn, onto a lawn and into the saloon — 85 vendors in all. The event also included food trucks for those looking for lunch. Gran-Debra Farms of Castleton brought several goats. Their herd of LaMancha goats, a unique breed distinctive for a lack of external ears, provides the milk for the farm’s artisan soaps.
The fair also gave space to community organizations. The Argyle EMS held a basket raffle and the Harford class of 2024 sold raffle tickets as well. Warren County Sheriff’s department was on hand checking child car seats and handing out child identity kits. Each vendor had a bowl of candy at their booth, and children wearing Halloween costumes trick-or-treated throughout the grounds.
Last year’s inaugural fair, says organizer Jennifer Livingston, was dampened by cold and rainy weather. An estimated 250 shoppers attended. This year, the skies were sunny, and a steady stream of vehicles pulled into the parking lot throughout the morning. An hour after opening, last year’s attendance record appears to have been surpassed.
“All vendors are local to New York and Vermont,” says Livingston. “It’s a way to support locals.” She also noted that the late October date was a perfect time for early Christmas shopping.
