This past Saturday, the community gathered to celebrate the final day of summer with our inaugural Agriculture and Artistry Fair, hosted at JCEO’s Food Services center in the heart of Franklin County, Malone. With the sun shining and a light breeze, it was the perfect day for families and neighbors to come together, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with the things that make the North Country special. The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of local sponsors: MVP Health Care, Sid G. Spear One Group, TrueNorth Federal Credit Union, Adirondack Frontier, Bokies, Ellis Automotive, Seacomm Federal Credit Union, Legault Construction, and Brennan Buick GMC. Their support ensured we could create an unforgettable day!

Families enjoyed hands-on experiences, like learning about birds of prey with Adirondack Raptors, or walking and petting farm animals from Tucker’s Black Angus Ranch. From goats and sheep to ponies and cows, it was a chance for both kids and grown-ups to engage with nature in a fun and educational way. Pipsqueak’s Party Time kept the energy high with face painting, balloon animals, and the antics of her lovely “dog”, Frank. Lena the Lizard Lady stole the spotlight with her sloth companion, Tony2Toes, and their entourage of cold-blooded companions.

Local vendors shared their creations, skills, and collections, including a book written by a local author, Andrew Kirkpatrick, handmade crochet toys, earrings and suncatchers, and the wonderful tricks of Matt’s Magic. Little Red’s, Keep It Simply Sweets, and The Food Dudes served up delicious eats. For those craving a quick snack, there was a donation-funded stand with free cotton candy and popcorn. The raffle, which featured items from participating vendors, also included some big-ticket items; a tree stand and a 50” TV.

Above all, the day was about community. Showing up is what the North Country does best, and this weekend was the perfect example. At events like ours across the region, families, friends, and neighbors came together to celebrate the summer’s harvest, support local creators, and share the joys of the season. Most importantly, thanks to the overwhelming support from our sponsors, vendors, and those who attended, we raised more than $5,000 for JCEO’s Food Services program! These funds will go directly towards feeding local families in need, ensuring none of our neighbors go hungry.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this event such a smashing success - whether you attended, donated, sponsored, or volunteered, this event wouldn’t be the same without you. We can’t wait to see you all again for next year’s fair! In the meantime, stay tuned for more of our upcoming events, including the Card & Collectible show in October!

Pictures courtesy of Lepage Sports Photo.