This past weekend, I got really caught up in the autumn spirit when I visited the Shaker Historic Society Fall Harvest Craft Fair. It was pure coincidence that I discovered this Sunday afternoon event, since I had only headed out this morning to drop a friend off at the Albany airport. I live for anything and everything autumn, so there was no question upon seeing the sign for it that I had to check it out!
The entrance to the barn
I entered the event through a small barn door and was instantly captivated by the sights, smells and sounds of the fair. Over 75 vendors lined the sides of the barn, selling locally grown foods, handmade clothing and accessories, artwork, woodwork, local photography, and so much more. I was happy to see each vendor had many items priced on the cheaper end of the spectrum, making it easy for me (as a cash-strapped grad student) to purchase some gifts and souvenirs. The vendors were incredibly friendly and eager to talk about their products. I had a great conversation with a woman selling her handmade jewelry, who encouraged me to keep working on my own jewelry-making.
A view of inside the barn and vendors
The craft fair continued outside on the grounds of the Shaker Heritage Historical Site. It really was a picturesque September day.
Gateway to crafts galore
Pumpkins! Gourd-geous.
There were pens of chickens and turkeys. No one paid them any attention, so I did.
One of my other favorite aspects of the grounds was the herb and flower garden… rows and rows of labeled herbs, vegetables and flowers.
Sunflowers in the garden
Lastly, I can’t forget to credit the rich history of the Shaker community that settled in this area in the late 1700’s.
A brief passage about the Shaker Meeting House in the Shaker Museum on the premises.
If you are a lover of the country atmosphere like me or are new to Upstate New York, check out the variety of fall festivals and activities being held in the capital region from September through November. While this particular craft fair is unfortunately over, there are many others like it scheduled. Next, I hope to be reporting on a trip to a local apple orchard. Happy (almost) Autumn. 🙂
(All photos taken by Allison Villeneuve. The College of Saint Rose or I are not affiliated with the Shaker Heritage Society or individual vendors.)
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