NEWFANE — For nearly 50 years, volunteers have organized the Newfane Heritage Festival in the center of historic Newfane Village.
Once again this holiday weekend, people will celebrate community, crafts, food, and entertainment at the event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6 and 7, rain or shine.
The outdoor food booth, headed by Maggie Bills, will serve breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and warm homemade doughnuts. Later in the day, volunteers will serve chili, chowder, burgers, dogs, cider, and more.
The inside deli will dish up autumn-inspired flavors of comfort foods with a priority of using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.
The menu, under the direction of deli head Sandy Hamm, includes New England chowders and bisque, pulled pork and baked beans, baked potatoes, pumpkin cheesecake, flourless chocolate torte and - of course - the “famous homemade apple pies and crisps, made with love by members of the Newfane Church,” according to a news releasse.
Ninty-five juried craftspeople will display their work in the tents set up in front of the Windham County Courthouse. Amidst the autumn leaves, people will display and sell organic body products, glass, stone, metal work, paper arts, silver jewelry, fiber arts, woodworking, and more.
Vendor chair Samantha Harlow reports that some vendors have been coming for over 40 years, while 18 vendors will be new this year.
The super raffle in the Union Hall will feature donated items, some of which are gift certificates, lift tickets, a cord of wood, and a doll house.
The flea tent outside the Union Hall has “great items cheap,” says overall event chair Linda Bastian. Donations to the flea tent may be dropped off in the garage behind the Union Hall.
Entertainers will play music, sing, and tell stories, and the Museum of the Windham County Historical Society in the center of the village will open.