Submitted by Kathleen Amoia
(September 17, 2024) — This September’s Artisan Market at Parmelee Farm in Killingworth may have been the best yet. Nearly a hundred vendors, a redesigned layout, moderate temperatures, and more visitors than ever, (such as Amanda Caprio of Killingworth in the photo below) made for an all-round success.
From bouquets of late summer blooms, first class pottery, soaps and candles, blown glass and earth toned jewelry, and everything in between, the shopper had unique choices at every turn.
As Market originators and organizers Karen Milano and Linda Dudek will tell you, this is an event requiring many volunteers. In their own words: “We’d like to thank this wonderful community of outstanding volunteers composed of patrons, families, and friends, our market team Greg Wind, Peg Scofield, Scott Hawkins, Eileen Pleines, Eileen Blewett, and the Killingworth Lions. An event such as this takes a village and we sure have a good one, a strong one, and one we can all be proud of.”
Volunteers, such as those pictured in the photo above, are one leg of this three-legged event. The one that makes it a destination is, of course, the vendors themselves. Most of them come back each year because of the reasonable fee, their financial success, the location, and the great organization and assistance during the event. Those last points circle back to the event organizers and volunteers.
Ann Johnson, who has come each year and sells fiber arts, sent this review: “It’s always been a great show for me, but yesterday it was even better…You cannot find better organizers than Karen and Linda. From their massive promotions all the way to breakdown the day of the event, you cannot find a better team of volunteers, hands down. This crafter is grateful for this wonderful event and the hard work of everyone associated with Parmelee Farm. There is good reason there is a long wait list.”
Allison Brancato of Bead Sprouts said, “…each year I think it couldn’t get any better, yet it always does.” The first-time vendor from Yarn Addiction Arts wrote “I truly appreciate the coordinators and volunteers for all they did to help make it successful for all. When coordinators care about the vendors and customers… it really shows…”
The third leg of the Artisan Market at Parmelee Farm is the weather. And so far, it has not rained on this parade. But it may actually be like a four-legged stool and that fourth leg would be the food. The market offered everything from lobster rolls to vegan food bowls and the KVFC’s fundraising hotdogs and hamburgers.
Kudos to all involved, including the patrons who return year after year.
Photos provided by Artisan Market
