The annual occasion in northwestern Vermont incorporates a various assortment of handcrafted items supplied by artisans from the area and past. Attendees can uncover distinctive objects, starting from positive artwork and residential dcor to specialty meals and handcrafted clothes.
This gathering supplies a significant platform for regional artisans to showcase their expertise and join immediately with potential clients. It fosters financial development throughout the native craft neighborhood and preserves conventional artistry. The occasion has a long-standing historical past of supporting craftspeople and providing the general public entry to high-quality, handcrafted merchandise.
The next sections will delve into particular points, together with featured artists, occasion schedules, and the general impression on the native economic system. Extra insights into customer experiences and vendor alternatives can even be explored.
1. Handcrafted artistry
The Champlain Valley Craft Present stands as a testomony to the enduring attraction of handcrafted artistry. Inside its bustling aisles, the spirit of creation takes tangible kind, a stark distinction to the mass-produced objects dominating modern markets. It is a realm the place the human contact reigns supreme, imbuing every object with a narrative, a historical past, and an simple soul.
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The Preservation of Conventional Expertise
Handcrafted artistry, at its core, safeguards expertise handed down by way of generations. The present supplies a venue the place strategies like intricate wooden carving, delicate textile weaving, and meticulous pottery shaping persist. These expertise, usually prone to fading into obscurity, discover renewed life and appreciation amongst a discerning viewers. Each bit exhibited turns into an emblem of cultural continuity, a tangible hyperlink to the previous.
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The Uniqueness of Creation
Not like the uniformity of mass manufacturing, handcrafted artistry embraces individuality. Imperfections grow to be marks of authenticity, every merchandise possessing its personal distinct character. Inside the confines of the present, guests encounter a symphony of one-of-a-kind items, from asymmetrical ceramics to hand-stitched quilts bearing the imprint of the maker’s distinctive imaginative and prescient. This emphasis on individuality encourages shoppers to worth the artistry itself, appreciating the distinctiveness that solely human palms can create.
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The Story Behind the Object
Every handcrafted merchandise carries a story, a narrative woven into its very cloth. The Champlain Valley Craft Present fosters a direct connection between artist and client, permitting for the alternate of those narratives. The origins of the supplies, the inspiration behind the design, the hours of labor poured into the creation all contribute to the article’s worth. When a purchaser purchases a handcrafted piece, they purchase not solely an object but in addition a bit of the artist’s life and expertise.
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The Financial Empowerment of Artisans
The present features as a vital market for artisans, offering a direct avenue to promote their creations and maintain their craft. By bypassing conventional retail channels, craftspeople retain a bigger share of the earnings, making certain the financial viability of their work. This financial empowerment permits them to dedicate themselves to their artwork, fostering innovation and inspiring the continuation of handcrafted traditions. The present thus contributes to a vibrant and sustainable native economic system, fueled by creativity and ability.
The Champlain Valley Craft Present is greater than only a market; it’s a celebration of handcrafted artistry, a reminder that the human contact nonetheless holds immense worth in a world more and more dominated by automation. By supporting the artisans who showcase their work there, attendees should not solely buying distinctive and exquisite objects, but in addition investing within the preservation of custom, the empowerment of artists, and the enduring energy of human creativity.
2. Regional Expertise
The Champlain Valley Craft Present exists as a direct consequence and vibrant reflection of the regional expertise it hosts. It’s not merely a market; it’s a stage upon which the inventive narratives of Vermont and its neighboring areas unfold. Contemplate the potter from the Mad River Valley, whose clay is sourced from native riverbeds, each bit bearing the delicate mark of its origin. Or the weaver from the Champlain Islands, whose looms hum with the colours of Lake Champlain sunsets, translating ephemeral magnificence into tangible artwork. These should not remoted instances, however threads woven into the wealthy tapestry of the present’s identification. With out this focus of regional artisans, the present would lose its distinctive character, its authenticity.
The significance of this regional focus extends past mere aesthetics. The present supplies a vital financial engine for these craftspeople, a lot of whom depend on it as a big supply of earnings. One would possibly recall the story of the woodworker from the Northeast Kingdom, whose intricate bowls, carved from fallen maple timber, allowed them to maintain a household farm afloat throughout a very harsh financial downturn. Or the jeweler from Burlington, whose designs, impressed by the native natural world, helped them launch a profitable on-line enterprise after years of struggling to discover a marketplace for their work. The Craft Present supplies vital entry to clients and market visibility that these artists may not in any other case discover.
The Champlain Valley Craft Present, subsequently, is extra than simply an annual occasion; it’s a symbiotic relationship. It fosters a way of neighborhood, helps native economies, and ensures the continuation of conventional crafts. The problem lies in sustaining this regional focus amidst the pressures of broader industrial pursuits, making certain that the present stays a real celebration of the skills and tales that outline the Champlain Valley. The reveals future success hinges on continued dedication to nurturing and showcasing its native artists, thereby enriching the cultural panorama of the area.
3. Group Gathering
The Champlain Valley Craft Present transcends the definition of a mere industrial occasion; it features as a significant thread within the social cloth of the area, an annual convocation the place shared pursuits and native pleasure converge. Past the alternate of handcrafted items, lies a deeper, extra resonant function: the strengthening of neighborhood bonds.
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Intergenerational Change
The Craft Present serves as a novel assembly floor for various generations. Grandparents share their appreciation for conventional crafts with their grandchildren, passing down information and sparking curiosity in expertise which may in any other case fade. Youthful attendees, in flip, deliver a contemporary perspective, usually drawn to revolutionary designs and sustainable practices. One regularly observes households gathered round a woodturning demonstration, the kids mesmerized by the transformation of uncooked wooden, whereas the older technology reminisces about related crafts from their youth. This alternate fosters a way of continuity and shared heritage, binding generations collectively by way of a typical love of artistry.
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Nurturing Native Id
The occasion reinforces a way of place. Artisans proudly show their connection to the area, incorporating native supplies and drawing inspiration from the encompassing panorama. Guests, in flip, categorical their assist for native expertise, celebrating the distinctive character of the Champlain Valley. Observing the attendees work together with the crafts, one notes a definite pleasure within the origin of the merchandise. This pleasure within the area solidifies a way of belonging and strengthens neighborhood ties. The native identification is on full show, performing as a magnet that brings members of various corners of the area collectively.
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Platform for Social Interplay
The Craft Present supplies a relaxed and convivial environment, encouraging casual social interplay. Individuals stumble upon neighbors they have not seen in months, strike up conversations with artisans about their craft, and share suggestions with fellow attendees. This informal mingling fosters a way of connectedness and strengthens social networks. The environment permits folks to attach by way of shared curiosity in creativity and native tradition. The Craft Present is greater than an occasion; it is a chance to strengthen the neighborhood.
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Help for Native Causes
Many distributors use the occasion as a platform to assist native charities and initiatives, donating a portion of their proceeds to organizations that profit the neighborhood. Attendees, in flip, are sometimes drawn to buy from distributors who align with their values, figuring out that their cash is supporting a great trigger. This philanthropic ingredient reinforces the sense of collective duty and strengthens neighborhood bonds. The Craft Present serves as a catalyst for constructive social change, demonstrating the facility of neighborhood motion and mutual assist.
The Champlain Valley Craft Present, in its essence, shouldn’t be merely concerning the shopping for and promoting of products; it’s concerning the cultivation of neighborhood. It’s a place the place folks come collectively to rejoice native expertise, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds that tie them to the area. By fostering intergenerational alternate, nurturing native identification, offering a platform for social interplay, and supporting native causes, the Craft Present performs a significant position in making a extra linked and vibrant neighborhood.
4. Distinctive Creations
The annual Champlain Valley Craft Present, a convention deeply rooted within the area, owes a lot of its attract to the distinctive creations it showcases. It’s a symbiotic relationship; one can not communicate of the present’s enduring attraction with out acknowledging the singular, usually breathtaking, artistry that defines it. Trigger and impact are clear: the promise of discovering the extraordinary drives attendance, fuels the native economic system, and sustains the artisans who pour their hearts into their work. The significance of this uniqueness can’t be overstated. It’s not merely a superficial high quality however the very essence of the occasion.
Contemplate, for instance, the story of a neighborhood glassblower. For years, his delicate creations had been largely unseen, confined to a small studio and a handful of native outlets. The Craft Present supplied a platform, an viewers desperate to embrace the unconventional. His intricate glass sculptures, impressed by the colours of the encompassing panorama, resonated deeply with attendees. Phrase unfold. Orders poured in. What was as soon as a struggling ardour turned a thriving enterprise, all because of the publicity and appreciation generated by the showcase for distinctive creations. Equally, the present acts as a springboard for rising artists, offering them the chance to check their creations and collect vital suggestions, to see how others work together with their craft. It supplies entry and alternative to develop and check out their craft, permitting their distinctive creations to develop.
In essence, the Champlain Valley Craft Present is excess of a market. It’s a celebration of individuality and innovation. The problem lies in sustaining this dedication to uniqueness, to making sure that the present stays a haven for artisans who dare to defy conference. The preservation of this core worth will decide the present’s continued success, solidifying its place as a significant a part of the area’s cultural identification. For it’s inside these distinctive creations that the true spirit of the Champlain Valley Craft Present resides.
5. Fall Custom
The Champlain Valley Craft Present and the season of autumn are inextricably linked, every amplifying the opposite’s significance. The crisp air, the colourful foliage portray the panorama, and the anticipation of the vacations create an ideal setting for a celebration of handcrafted artistry. The present, held yearly throughout this era, has grow to be a deeply ingrained ritual, a marker of the altering seasons as dependable because the turning of the leaves.
Contemplate, as an example, the attitude of a neighborhood household. For generations, their annual pilgrimage to the Craft Present has been a cherished occasion. The scent of woodsmoke mingling with the aroma of cider donuts, the chance to find distinctive items for family members, and the possibility to attach with artisans whose work displays the area’s spirit these components have woven themselves into the material of their household historical past. One of these familial dedication, multiplied throughout numerous households, solidifies the occasion’s standing as a fall custom. A vital financial engine for regional artisans is kickstarted by the elevated curiosity and buying selections that happen through the fall season. The trigger: the season supplies the explanation and setting for elevated artisan engagement. The impact: financial empowerment of native artisan neighborhood.
The problem lies in sustaining the authenticity of this connection because the occasion evolves. Business pressures might tempt organizers to increase past the autumn season, diluting the present’s distinctive attraction. Nonetheless, by remaining true to its roots, the Champlain Valley Craft Present can proceed to thrive as a cherished fall custom, a testomony to the enduring energy of neighborhood, creativity, and the fantastic thing about the season. Failure to acknowledge its viewers’s affiliation with fall would imply an avoidable financial and reputational decline.
6. Artisan Showcase
The Champlain Valley Craft Present exists, in its most elementary kind, as an artisan showcase. This isn’t merely a descriptive label however a defining precept. The present’s success hinges on its means to supply a platform, a devoted area the place craftspeople can current their work on to the general public. With out this central perform, the present would devolve right into a generic market, indistinguishable from numerous others. The connection is thus causal: the “artisan showcase” element fuels the existence and identification of the “Champlain Valley Craft Present”.
Contemplate the attitude of a small-scale woodworker, struggling to achieve traction in a market saturated with mass-produced furnishings. The Craft Present affords greater than only a gross sales venue; it supplies a chance to inform their story, to clarify the method behind their craft, and to attach with clients who respect the worth of handmade items. The artisan showcase is a crucial bridge, connecting creators with shoppers who worth their work. It permits the artisan to not simply promote a product, but in addition to disseminate information and forge significant connections with the buyer. The results of the artisan showcase are additionally wide-reaching: promotion of regional artwork scene, stimulation of native economic system, and cultivation of native expertise.
The continued problem lies in curating the occasion to make sure that it really serves as an efficient showcase. This requires cautious choice of distributors, considerate format of the exhibition area, and focused advertising efforts to draw the correct viewers. Sustaining this give attention to the artisan showcase shouldn’t be merely a matter of fine enterprise; it’s a dedication to supporting the inventive neighborhood and preserving the wealthy cultural heritage of the Champlain Valley. The artisan showcase is a microcosm of the Champlain Valley area, performing as a cultural landmark that represents the values and artwork that outline it.
7. Help Native
The phrase “Help native” resonates deeply throughout the Champlain Valley, a area outlined by its close-knit communities and a robust sense of self-reliance. This ethos finds its clearest expression on the Champlain Valley Craft Present, the place the act of buying a handcrafted merchandise turns into a deliberate act of funding within the area’s financial and cultural vitality. It is a aware determination to prioritize neighborhood prosperity over the impersonal effectivity of mass-produced items.
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Direct Financial Affect
Probably the most quick good thing about supporting native artisans on the Craft Present is the direct monetary impression on their livelihoods. Purchases translate immediately into income, enabling them to maintain their craft, reinvest of their companies, and contribute to the native tax base. Contemplate the potter who depends on the present to finance the acquisition of latest tools or the weaver who makes use of the proceeds to ship their kids to school. Every transaction has a tangible impact, reinforcing the inspiration of the native economic system.
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Preservation of Conventional Expertise
Lots of the artisans showcasing their work on the Craft Present are keepers of conventional expertise handed down by way of generations. By selecting to buy their handcrafted objects, attendees are actively collaborating within the preservation of those expertise, making certain that they proceed to thrive. The act of assist, subsequently, is a tangible type of cultural preservation. Contemplate the blacksmith who forges iron utilizing strategies relationship again centuries, or the quilter who meticulously items collectively materials utilizing patterns handed down by way of their household. Supporting them means safeguarding a bit of the area’s heritage.
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Strengthening Group Bonds
The Craft Present is greater than only a market; it is a neighborhood gathering. By selecting to assist native artisans, attendees are reinforcing the bonds that join them to their neighbors and to the area as an entire. It is a aware determination to prioritize relationships and neighborhood over anonymity and detachment. Contemplate the conversations that unfold between artisans and clients, the sharing of tales and experiences, the sense of camaraderie that permeates the occasion. These interactions strengthen the social cloth of the Champlain Valley, making a extra vibrant and resilient neighborhood.
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Environmental Sustainability
Supporting native artisans usually aligns with ideas of environmental sustainability. Many craftspeople make the most of domestically sourced supplies, make use of eco-friendly practices, and create sturdy, long-lasting items. By selecting these merchandise, attendees are decreasing their environmental footprint and supporting a extra sustainable lifestyle. Contemplate the woodworker who harvests fallen timber from native forests, or the jeweler who makes use of recycled metals of their creations. Supporting them means supporting a extra environmentally accountable economic system.
These sides spotlight that attending the Champlain Valley Craft Present shouldn’t be merely a client transaction; it’s an act of neighborhood engagement, a celebration of native expertise, and a dedication to constructing a stronger, extra sustainable future for the area. Supporting native artisans on the Craft Present is an funding within the very essence of the Champlain Valley.
8. Household Pleasant
The Champlain Valley Craft Present, past its popularity as a market for handcrafted items, cultivates an environment distinctly oriented towards households. It is extra than simply tolerance; it is an energetic embrace, shaping the occasion’s character and contributing considerably to its enduring attraction. From the format of the grounds to the sorts of distributors current, each side of the present subtly reinforces this dedication to creating an setting the place guests of all ages really feel welcome and engaged.
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Secure and Accessible Setting
Contemplate the mum or dad pushing a stroller by way of the crowds. The present’s organizers persistently prioritize accessibility, making certain huge pathways and designated relaxation areas that accommodate households with younger kids. Noise ranges are stored at an affordable stage, minimizing sensory overload for delicate people. First help stations are available, offering peace of thoughts in case of minor accidents. This consideration to element creates a way of safety and permits households to loosen up and benefit from the expertise with out pointless stress. These should not simply handy additions, however considerate concerns which might be carried out and maintained.
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Interactive and Academic Actions
Scattered all through the present grounds, one usually finds devoted areas for kids’s actions. Face portray cubicles rework younger attendees into fantastical creatures, whereas craft demonstrations provide hands-on studying experiences. These actions should not merely diversions; they’re alternatives for kids to interact with the inventive course of, fostering an appreciation for artistry and craftsmanship. These should not simply alternatives to occupy kids; they’re alternatives for studying and engagement.
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Number of Interesting Merchandise
The Craft Present’s vendor choice displays a deliberate effort to cater to a variety of tastes and pursuits, together with these of kids. From handcrafted toys and kooky clothes to scrumptious treats and interactive artwork, there’s one thing to seize the creativeness of each little one. These aren’t simply objects to eat, however items to admire, to carry, to name their very own.
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Multi-generational Attraction
The occasion fosters a way of intergenerational connection, as grandparents share their appreciation for conventional crafts with their grandchildren, dad and mom reminisce about related reveals from their childhood, and kids uncover the enjoyment of making one thing with their very own palms. The present affords a chance for households to spend high quality time collectively, creating recollections that may final for years to return. The Champlain Valley Craft Present is greater than an artisan market; it’s a memory-maker.
In conclusion, the “household pleasant” side of the Champlain Valley Craft Present shouldn’t be merely a advertising slogan; it’s a deeply ingrained worth that permeates each side of the occasion. It transforms the present right into a vacation spot the place households can join, create, and rejoice the spirit of neighborhood.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Navigating the complexities of a long-standing occasion just like the Champlain Valley Craft Present inevitably results in questions. The next elucidations handle frequent inquiries and dispel frequent misconceptions, offering readability for each seasoned attendees and newcomers alike.
Query 1: Is the occasion strictly restricted to artisans residing throughout the Champlain Valley itself?
The identify might suggest a geographical constraint, however historical past reveals a broader scope. In its early years, the present did prioritize native artisans. Nonetheless, as its popularity grew, so did the demand from craftspeople throughout the broader Northeast area. Whereas choice continues to be given to Champlain Valley residents, proficient artisans from neighboring states are regularly featured, bringing various views and enriching the general expertise.
Query 2: Is there a jury course of for vendor choice, or is it merely first-come, first-served?
The narrative of a free-for-all market clashes starkly with actuality. A rigorous jury course of is in place. Every year, a panel of skilled judgesoften comprised of artwork educators, established craftspeople, and neighborhood leaderscarefully evaluates functions based mostly on originality, craftsmanship, and total high quality. This ensures a persistently excessive normal and prevents the present from being diluted by mass-produced or commercially resold objects.
Query 3: Are pets permitted on the present grounds?
The imaginative and prescient of households strolling by way of the present with their canine companions might sound idyllic, the fact is formed by practicality and concern for all attendees. Whereas service animals are, after all, all the time welcome, the presence of quite a few pets poses potential challengescrowding, allergy symptoms, and the chance of accidents. To take care of a protected and comfy setting, a strict no-pet coverage is enforced.
Query 4: Is there an admission price to enter the Champlain Valley Craft Present?
The concept that such a celebrated occasion can be fully free is a typical, albeit inaccurate, assumption. Whereas efforts are made to maintain prices affordable, a modest admission price is charged. This price helps to offset the numerous bills concerned in organizing the showsite rental, safety, insurance coverage, and advertising. It is a needed funding to make sure the occasion’s continued success and accessibility.
Query 5: What measures are in place to make sure the authenticity of the handcrafted objects?
The integrity of the present rests on the assure that every one objects are genuinely handcrafted. To uphold this normal, organizers conduct common spot checks all through the occasion, verifying that distributors are certainly creating their very own work. Any vendor discovered to be promoting mass-produced or commercially resold objects faces quick expulsion, safeguarding the popularity of the present and defending the pursuits of professional artisans.
Query 6: Are bank cards accepted by most distributors, or is money nonetheless the popular methodology of cost?
The times of a purely cash-based market are largely up to now. Whereas some distributors, notably smaller operations, should still desire money, the overwhelming majority now settle for bank cards. Many additionally make the most of cell cost platforms, providing attendees a handy and safe technique to make purchases. Nonetheless, it is all the time clever to have some money available, simply in case.
In abstract, understanding the intricacies of the Champlain Valley Craft Showfrom vendor choice to cost methodsenhances the general expertise. These FAQs present a stable basis for knowledgeable participation, making certain a rewarding go to for all.
With a clearer understanding of the Craft Present’s internal workings, the next part delves into the experiences of previous attendees.
Ideas for Navigating the Champlain Valley Craft Present
The Champlain Valley Craft Present, a beacon of artisanal expression within the coronary heart of Vermont, attracts crowds searching for distinctive treasures and a style of native tradition. The occasion requires preparation and strategic considering to maximise enjoyment and worth.
Tip 1: Arrive Early, Conquer the Crowd
The early hen, because the adage suggests, finds the worm. On the craft present, the “worm” is uncrowded aisles and first choose of coveted objects. The gates open, and a tide of humanity surges by way of. One yr, a seasoned attendee arrived exactly at opening, securing a limited-edition pottery piece earlier than it vanished inside minutes. Contemplate this: arriving an hour after the beginning interprets to enduring lengthy queues and doubtlessly lacking that excellent, one-of-a-kind discover.
Tip 2: Plan a Route, Conquer the Present
The present, a sprawling panorama of artisanal cubicles, presents a frightening process and not using a tactical method. One can wander aimlessly, doubtlessly lacking hidden gems. Earlier than stepping onto the grounds, purchase a map. Prioritize cubicles of specific curiosity, charting a course by way of the craft honest’s terrain. A structured method conserves vitality and optimizes time, reworking a doubtlessly overwhelming expertise right into a centered exploration.
Tip 3: Money is King, Embrace the Tactile
Whereas trendy cost strategies prevail, some artisans, notably smaller unbiased distributors, desire the tangible assurance of money. One yr, a patron found a classic quilt, an ideal addition to her assortment, however the vendor solely accepted money. A fast journey to an ATM solved the difficulty, securing the prize. Carrying money permits flexibility, negates transaction charges, and infrequently unlocks alternatives for delicate bargaining.
Tip 4: Interact the Artisans, Unlock the Story
The craft present presents a uncommon alternative to attach with the creators themselves. Take the time to interact in dialog. Find out about their craft, their inspiration, and the distinctive story behind their work. Throughout a go to, a consumer realized from a woodworker that his creations had been all fabricated from timber that fell by pure causes. These interactions improve the worth of the acquisition, reworking it from a mere transaction right into a significant alternate.
Tip 5: Examine Rigorously, Demand High quality
Handcrafted objects, by their very nature, possess inherent imperfections. These quirks contribute to their character, however critical flaws warrant cautious scrutiny. Throughout a present, a customer bought a leather-based bag, solely to find a torn lining upon nearer inspection. Previous to finishing a purchase order, meticulously look at every merchandise, making certain it meets expectations. Don’t hesitate to inquire concerning the artist’s return coverage or restore choices.
The following pointers present a framework for navigating the Champlain Valley Craft Present strategically, reworking a doubtlessly overwhelming expertise right into a rewarding and enriching journey.
With the following tips in thoughts, it’s now time to think about the lasting impression of the Champlain Valley Craft Present.
A Persevering with Legacy
This exploration has illuminated various sides of the Champlain Valley Craft Present, from its contribution to native economies and cultural preservation to its position as a neighborhood nexus and family-friendly vacation spot. The present is a residing entity, evolving with every passing yr whereas holding steadfast to its core mission: celebrating handcrafted artistry and fostering connections between creators and shoppers.
The annual gathering in Vermont serves as a testomony to human ingenuity, resilience, and neighborhood. Its enduring presence within the area, season after season, confirms its significance. Could its dedication to craft, neighborhood, and financial alternative proceed to encourage and enrich all who take part, making certain its vibrant legacy for generations to return. The story of the Champlain Valley Craft Present continues to unfold.
