The annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair, the oldest annual crafts fair in the nation, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year with 350 craftsmen showcasing their work, craft demonstrations and workshops, and entertainment for the entire family. The Fair starts on Saturday, August 3, and runs through Sunday, August 11, at the Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury.
“There is something special about an object that is made by human hands,” said Susie Lowe-Stockwell, executive director of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. “The Fair features contemporary and traditional fine crafts by over 350 League-juried craftsmen and is just brimming with colorful pottery, hand blown glass, framed wood-block prints, beautiful bowls in all sizes, decorative scarves, and the largest variety of handcrafted jewelry. It is a stunning collection of fine craft created by craftsmen who have met the League’s standards of excellence.”
Each summer, visitors come to the beautiful Lake Sunapee region to visit the Fair and experience the fun and fascinating world of craft. Featuring a variety of activities for all ages in a scenic setting under a series of white tents at the base of the Mount Sunapee Resort, the annual Craftsmen’s Fair is one of the few places where visitors can see an incredible variety of fine handmade items that are functional and decorative, said Lowe-Stockwell.
New this year will be a special Friday night event on August 9 called “$5 After 4.” The Fair will stay open two hours later, until 7 PM, and admission is half price after 4 PM. Immediately following, visitors can enjoy a summer party and spectacular mountain views on the deck of the Sunapee Lodge until 9 PM.
“The Fair provides an interactive way to explore the world of craft making, including seeing pieces made from clay, wood, metal, glass, and fiber,” said Lowe-Stockwell. “Being able to meet the artists, and learn about their techniques and inspiration for their craft is a one-of-a kind experience. This year, we have an Emerging Artists tent of juried craftspeople who are first-time booth holders. In addition, visitors can expect to see fresh new work from the ‘veteran’ Fair participants, some of whom have been exhibiting at the Fair for 30 years and more.”
Lowe-Stockwell added that the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair is a great event for families, with special craft workshops and demonstrations geared specifically towards children and teenagers. Roving performances featuring oversized puppets, magicians, mind readers, and musicians will wander throughout the grounds, giving it a festival atmosphere.
“For visitors who want to enjoy an hour or two visiting the booths without their young children in tow, onsite child care is available for only $3 an hour in our Family Pavilion – and this is no ordinary child care center!,” said Lowe-Stockwell. “Children will be engaged with art projects and other art activities and will make creations of their own to take with them. In addition, the Mount Sunapee Resort Adventure Center will be open, offering outdoor family adventures such as canopy zip lining, a treetop obstacle course, miniature golf, and more. The Fair is a great destination for not only exploring and shopping at the craftsmen’s booths, but also to experience outdoor adventures as a family.”
The Mount Sunapee Resort Adventure Park features guided 2.5-hour Canopy Zip Line Tours; a Treetop Obstacle Course, where adventurers ages five and up are harnessed into a self-guided series of obstacles that wind their way through the trees on the lower slopes of South Peak; an 18-hole miniature golf course; a Disc Golf Course; an air bag with artificial snow for practicing big jumps with a soft, cushy landing; an interpretative hiking trail; and off-road Segway excursions through the base area of the resort. Visitors can also take the chair lift to the top of Mount Sunapee and explore the summit. Advance reservations are required for the Canopy Zip Line Tour and the Segway Excursions. For more information visit MountSunapee.com or call 763-3500.
Additional features of the Annual Craftsmen Fair include:
Observe Alice Ogden, a juried member from Salisbury, nationally recognized for her basket making, working on this year’s annual ornament for 2013 entitled Woven in Winter, a miniature, woven black ash basket with a white oak handle and rim.
Learn more about your favorite craft by taking a Tour with a Master.
Picture your home with a piece of handmade furniture, wall hanging, or basket from the Living With Craft Exhibition, which showcases room settings with a creative fusion of handmade furniture and decor.
Try on one-of-a-kind handmade fashions and accessories at the CraftWear Exhibition, which displays stylish “art-to-wear” clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
Walk through the Sculpture Garden and enjoy creations for outdoor living featuring eye-catching and whimsical landscape sculptures and garden ornaments.
Added Lowe-Stockwell, the annual Craftsmen’s Fair is just one of many reasons to visit the Lake Sunapee region.
“There are many outdoor recreational and cultural activities for all ages, including the M/V Kearsarge cruises and boat tours, the Fells Historic Estate and Gardens with its nature trails and tours of historic homes, and boating, kayaking, sailing, and hiking,” said Lowe-Stockwell. During the Fair, visitors can also enjoy New London Hospital Days (August 1 through 3), which is a weekend of food, music, and a midway with rides and a triathlon. Visitors can go to the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce Web site at LakeSunapeeNH.org to learn more about all of these activities.
Ticket Information
The 80th annual League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, rain or shine, from August 3 through 11. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students, active duty military (with ID), and groups of 20 or more. Admission is free for children 12 and under.
A ticket includes admission to all exhibitions and demonstrations. A ticket for a second return day is available for an additional $5. Visitors who purchase their tickets in advance on the League’s Web site at NHCrafts.org will receive a $1 discount, plus no convenience fee. This discount will be offered until August 2. Having tickets in advance is a great way to avoid the long ticket lines at the gate. Remember, parking is free.
Picnic areas, as well as a food tent, indoor cafeterias, and an outdoor Garden Cafe (serving adult beverages) are open daily. Please leave pets at home; only service dogs are allowed on the fairgrounds.
For more information about the Fair or the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, call 224-3375, e-mail NHLeague@nullNHCrafts.org, or visit NHCrafts.org.