WILLIAMSTOWN, Ontario – A sense of autumn was in the air at the Fall Harvest Market on Sunday, Sept. 9 at the Williamstown Fairgrounds.
With 85 registered vendors this year, the free event saw its largest crowd since its inception six years ago. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and crowds remained steady throughout the day.
Vendors of all ages showcased a variety of creations, mostly handmade, including bath and skincare products, jewellery, essential oils, vintage décor, fall crafts and more. Each vendor paid an entry fee of $50.
“We’re pretty excited about a couple of young entrepreneurs this year,” said Debbie Burns, event organizer and Founder of W3G & CO. “I always get excited because that’s our future.”
Some of the youngest vendors included a woodworking brother duo, ages eight and 10, as well as three 14-year-old friends who make skin care products. The trio’s products started with an all-natural sunscreen that took them to the Canada Wide Science Fair (CWSF) in Ottawa this spring.
Burns said that she typically had a market on the same weekend in previous years but decided to merge together with fairgrounds organizers this year. Last year, Burns’ fall market fundraised over $3000 for Alaya Riley, 16, who has survived multiple cancer diagnoses and continues to fight the disease. This year, funds raised from a raffle will be donated to Riley.
Bruns was appreciative of the pleasant weather, large turnout and online discussion surrounding the event this year.
“It’s bringing more people that have not come to this area, and realizing what’s here,” she said.
W3G & CO. will be hosting their largest annual trunk sale on Nov. 3 and 4 this year at Marlin’s Orchard. The event will be fundraising for Rachel’s Kids again this year and raised approximately $40,000 for the organization last year. For volunteer opportunities, visit W3G & CO. on Facebook or their website www.we3girls.ca.
