Hundreds of visitors turned out Saturday for the 21st annual Folk Fair in Meadows of Dan.
Sponsored by the Meadows of Dan Community Association, the event showcased local craftsmen selling jewelry, wooden and metal goods, and other handmade items. Windy Ridge Cattle Company also offered meat for sale.
“It’s never too early to start planning for Christmas, and what better way than by purchasing gifts from local artisans,” vendors said as customers browsed their displays.
Book lovers had the chance to meet local authors and purchase signed copies, while history buffs learned from John Reynolds of the Patrick County Historical Museum and Tom Perry of Laurel Hill.
James Houchins, the county’s director of tourism and economic development, greeted visitors and shared information about upcoming attractions and events.
In addition to talking to people from every community in the county, Houchins said he met several from out of state. “One was from Ohio.” Closer to home, another traveled from Halifax County. “Every community in Patrick County was represented,” and several people from neighboring areas also stopped by the booth, he added.
Rita Wood, of the new Vesta/Meadows of Dan Alzheimer’s initiative, said the group currently has 10 to 12 members, many of whom have cared for loved ones with the illness.
“We invite people, especially caregivers who need help taking care of their loved ones,” to attend the meetings for support and encouragement, Wood said.
Outdoor Entertainment provided inflatables that included golf games, music and bubbles for children, giving parents time to shop, browse, or listen to live music and relax inside the Community Building.
Wine tastings from Villa Appalachia were among the popular features this year, as were food trucks with assorted treats. But few things rivaled the success of the Meadows of Dan Elementary School PTO’s fish fry.
