The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair is an entertaining showcase for some of the highest quality handmade crafts that you will find anywhere. For over 80 years craftsmen and the public have been gathering to celebrate fine craftsmanship as well as what drives them to create. There are over 350 dedicated craftsmen waiting to show you their trade. If you run into something you must have and you will, there is the opportunity to purchase many of the crafts you see. The fair is a great place for you and all your family to learn about the design process and then its implementation. Not only is it a learning experience but it's one of the most entertaining events in the region. There is live music, great food, exhibitions, exhibits and roaming performers such as a magician's, large puppets, mind readers and so much more. I got the opportunity to interview Carol Fusaro the Vice President of Sullivan Creative about the event.
RAL: What separates your fair from other events?
CF: All craft is made by juried members of the League and the Fair provides visitors a unique opportunity to meet the makers and learn about their techniques and inspiration. There are many educational activities, such as fine craft demonstrations and workshops and in-depth tours to provide visitors with a greater understanding of and appreciation for how fine craft is made.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
CF: There are about 200 juried members, all master craftsmen that participate in the Fair. Many sell their fine crafts in their booths. Some have their work in the three fine craft exhibitions at the Fair; CraftWear, Living With Craft, the Sculpture Garden. Some have their work in The Shop at the Fair. The Fair attracts approximately 25,000 people over 9 days.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
CF: The event has been running for 83 years. The Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair is the longest, continuously running fine crafts fair in the US.
RAL: Who comes to the fair?
CF: The Fair attracts a range of visitors. The largest group is women between the ages 35 through 55, lots of families, as the Fair offers many activities for children.
RAL: Please take me through day at the fair.
CF: When visitors walk through the gate, they will see a series of white tents. Under each tent are booths with a variety of fine craft: pottery, jewelry, glass, prints, furniture, wood, fiber, wearables, etc. They can meet the makers and purchase fine crafts. There are a variety of demonstrations that visitors can watch and learn about how fine craft is made. Some are designed specifically for children. Some tents also have workshops that a visitor can sign up for to make their own piece of fine craft. There are three fine craft exhibitions Living With Craft, CraftWear, and the Sculpture Garden. The CraftWear exhibition features stylish “art-to-wear” clothing, jewelry, and accessories for visitors to try on and purchase. The Sculpture Garden boasts a breathtaking display of landscape sculptures and garden ornaments. In Living With Craft, guests can envision their homes with a piece of handmade furniture, wall hanging or hand-crafted basket as they tour the exhibit, which showcases room settings with a creative fusion of handmade furniture and decorative items. There are also musical and other performances that give the Fair a festive environment. There is a food tent and other areas to buy fair food and healthy options. See this daily schedule for examples of demonstrations, workshops, and other activities:https://www.nhcrafts.org/craftsmens-fair-daily-schedule.php
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
CF: The Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region offers a variety of lodging accommodations, including B&Bs, inns, lodges, and campgrounds. Visitors should contact the Lake Sunapee Chamber of Commerce for information, http://www.lakesunapeenh.org/.
RAL: How does the fair affect the community?
CF: The Fair is a popular event and does bring business to local restaurants, lodging, and attractions. The Fair itself is a valuable marketing venue for the fine craftspeople that sell their work at the Fair. Lodging will often hit maximum occupancy.
RAL: What makes the fair a memorable event?
CF: It is fun and educational. As stated earlier, it gives people an opportunity to delve into the world of fine craft, see how it is made and speak to the makers directly. The fairground setting at the base of Mount Sunapee is beautiful.
If your looking for additional information about the event plese visit the fair’s website at https://www.nhcrafts.org/craftsmens-fair-overview.php.