Southern Vermont Festival Update

We all know that the last five years have been challenging for everyone. Many shows have disappeared or contracted. For a while Craftproducers seemingly led a charmed life. We had two successful shows in Manchester at the perfect location, Hildene Meadows; we had two great shows in Stowe, especially the Columbus Day Weekend show at the peak of foliage.

Then the roof fell in, so to speak. Hildene no longer wants events on its property. To its credit, it gave our new location two years to establish itself as the new Manchester Events Field. Riley Rink spent $175,000 to create a level, well drained field. Well, we all know what happened. Last October it rained and the field did not drain and our future in Manchester was in put jeopardy.

Since we were unable to feel confident in the new location at Riley Rink, we decided to move the summer show, the Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival, to Bennington. Since we announced the move, momentum is building with each passing week. We have met with numerous Bennington arts organizations, chamber of commerce personnel, civic leaders, the influential Bennington Museum, and local galleries. With the support of the local daily newspaper, the Bennington Banner, the Town will stage its inaugural Bennington Arts Weekend. We will be the anchor event for the weekend.

Two of our exhibitors at this year’s show attended a recent meeting in Bennington. Here is what Sara Gay and Alan Klebanoff said about it, “The meeting we just attended was positive, powerful and brimming with wonderful ideas. I loved the idea of Bennington’s art, commerce and government getting together to try and promote the fair as part of a full blown weekend of events. The inclusion of the art community promoting the arts, the transportation jitney idea of moving people from town to site, the business community welcoming vendors as consumers to restaurants, camping sites and travel inns......all leads to making a successful  change of site from the Manchester community.  It appears from the point of a vendor we have nothing to lose and all to gain. Also Bennington Museum wanting to host a preview evening, a multiple pass to include other events in town, and the easy access of having families come out because you will host potentially with the Art Exchange opportunities for young artists can only makes this event more attractive to all. Thank you for the opportunity to have a voice and be a representative of the vendors’ community. I only hope that we can accomplish these ideas.”

So, we are on the right track. All we need is you. We passionately believe this show deserves a shot. Sign up. Don’t abandon the Craft Movement. Together we can weather this storm and emerge prepared for a sustainable crafts future with new markets; this is one. The venue is a lot closer to Albany and the Berkshire where 75% of the Manchester audience came from. In the middle of summer, they are more likely to come here. They will enjoy the site too. There is even a large area with shade trees, providing a lovely spot to enjoy lunch.

We have the enthusiastic support of the whole town and a great venue. Booth fees start at just $400. Nothing in life is a sure thing but this event demands that you put down a bet and join us.

To sign up click here.