The 29th annual Crook Farm Country Fair went off without a
hitch, combining music and history to supply quality entertainment
for performers, patrons and volunteers.
“It is hard to find a weekend where the weather will hold out
for more than a day,” said Bob Esch, chairman of the event. “With
the economy where it is and the cost of travel and gas, our
attendance was just about what we expected. Even though Sunday was
a little slow, the music tent was always full with new and old
faces enjoying the event.”
The Crook Farm Fair ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday with craft and food vendors, demonstrations,
impromptu jam sessions and concerts.
Rich Folk, Bluegrass and Traditional American music played
continuously throughout the festival with performers and artisans
collecting in various locations all around Crook Farm. The
integration of music into the festivities had been a point of
interest implemented over the past few years resulting with free
admission to musicians planning to play along in the impromptu jam
sessions throughout the event.
“It was a very relaxed atmosphere. You just know people were
there for fun and I think we provided a bit of fun for everyone,
too,” said Jessi Combs, who performed with the Crook Farm All-stars
and Keith Blackmon on the Main Stage on Sunday. “It was easy to
find something to do all weekend … the crafts were great and music
was everywhere.”
Demonstrations were an additional point of interest that helped
blend all of the different artistic disciplines at the Fair.
Demonstrators like Van Wagner, who told stories, played songs
and demonstrated cutting, encompassed the history of the timber
industry in the area. The Bucktail Regiment Civil War Re-enactors,
between their random skirmishes and authentic Civil War fiddling of
Ed Hanson, also added some entertainment and education to the
event.
The Fair will take place again next year on the weekend before
Labor Day weekend.
“Recognition should go to Bob Esch for this event,” said
Harrijane Moore, president of the Bradford Landmark Society. “But
you can’t overlook anybody. Everyone worked hard to make this event
the success it was.”
The event is put on by volunteers of the Bradford Landmark
Society who plan the event 11 months in advance in order to
progress each year.
“We have always had hopes to make this an artisan fair,” said
Esch. “The Bradford Landmark Society is a group of volunteers that
believe in historical preservation. Culture, arts and history –
it’s who we are.
“We will take a month off and start up the planning for next
year,” he said. “It takes 11 months to plan two days. We are
fortunate to collect volunteers from just about every organization
in the area and without them it would be impossible to do the work
we do at the level we do it.”
In order to establish a stronger presence as an organization,
the Bradford Landmark Society is currently looking into moving its
office onto the historic Crook Farm.
The move, which is projected to happen next year, will expand
the use of Crook Farm beyond the current programs and scheduled
tours, allowing more exposure for the buildings and
restorations.
