NEWFANE — The tradition continues into its 47th year.
Once again this holiday weekend, historic Newfane Village will host the Heritage Festival. People will celebrate community, crafts, food, and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8, rain or shine.
Hundreds of visitors from near and far return year after year for this signature event in southeastern Vermont, gathering on the Newfane Common for a quintessential Vermont experience during foliage season.
Hundreds of people volunteer for the event, described by co-chair Ted Colligan as “a true community event.”
Proceeds benefit the wider missions of the Newfane Congregational Church, including lunches for seniors and stocking the Townshend Food Shelf.
Co-chair Linda Bastian adds, “We could not do this event without the wider community support. I see so many local people working tirelessly, who don't attend the church. It's very inspiring. The warmth and friendliness of Vermont radiate through the Festival because of our volunteers.”
Janice Guminak, who organizes the baking of more than 200 apple pies, agrees.
More than 90 juried craftspeople will display their work in the tents set up in front of the Windham County Courthouse in the center of Newfane Village, a registered National Historic Landmark. Amidst the autumn leaves, people will display and sell metal work, hand-stitched textiles, wooden bowls, blown-glass ornaments, vibrant prints, and organic aromatic oils.
The festival features vendor booths and a deli. The popular “flea tent” will feature attic treasures, toys, collectibles and used books.
The super raffle will offer chances to win quilts, books, and crafts at the price of $5 for 20 tickets.
Entertainers will play music, sing, and tell stories.
Along the side of Union Hall, nonprofit organizations will sponsor activities for children, such as bean bag tosses and face painting.
The Museum of the Windham County Historical Society, in the center of the village, will open during the Festival for people to visit.