Show Report: Bedminster 2009

By Sue Miller

The Bedminster Land Conservancy's 2009 Traditional Artisans' Show at the Upper Bucks Technical School, Perkasie, PA, held September 12th and 13th , had a slightly larger attendance this year over last year. The attendance may have been a result of the additional advertising funded by a state grant. Pennsylvania State Representative, Marguerite Quinn and Senator Chuck McIlhinney visited the show to see the fruits of their labor.

Both officials supported the Bedminster Land Conservancy's application for a grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, which was used to bring visitors from other states and enhance tourism dollars in conjunction with the conservancy’s annual Traditional Artisans Show.

Over 40 nationally recognized and awarded traditional artisans from more than 12 states brought in customers from 15 states as far as MO, OH and SC and also included: CT, MA, DE, IN, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, VA, and VT, who then patronized local bed & breakfasts, motels, restaurants, services and shops. A number of the artisans have their works on display at the White House, Smithsonian, Williamsburg, VA and other museums as well as in private collections, so their clientele are willing to travel to be able to have first choice of their newest pieces.

The event is a fundraiser for the Bedminster Land Conservancy (BLC), along with their June Garden Tour and October Barn Tour, and the monies raised help support their work in preserving the agricultural heritage and open space in the upper Bucks County region. In 2008, the BLC was one of the first land trusts in PA, to apply for and receive full accreditation from the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, and has established itself as a well-respected and outstanding land trust for the region.

Overall, the artisans had a very successful show – the attendees were very savvy and recognized quality when they saw it. Although I always enjoy this show, I had a special treat this year, Fran and Peter Carnahan stopped at the show to see me. Fran was the editor of Early American Life magazine for 20 years and retired 16 years ago. We snuck in a quick lunch and did some catching up and then Fran and Peter took care of some early Christmas shopping at the show.

This is a great show to be a part of – everyone always seems to have a good time and be in good spirits. The school benefits because it’s an educational experience for the students – the culinary students make and serve breakfast and lunch; the woodworking students sell some of their wood projects and raffle tickets for a chance to win a cedar strip canoe – the benefits of which go toward a trip to Williamsburg for the students. Some of the students act as porters to help set up and tear down the booths and they’re also available if you need help to carry your purchases to the car. Many students attended the in-booth ‘Learn About’ demonstrations – a very popular event with shoppers also. The Land Conservancy benefits from the gate and donations. The artisans benefit from the excellent sales. The attendees benefit from the good feeling they get when supporting a worthy cause (and finding that perfect piece) – and let’s not forget that early Christmas shopping!

Go back to headlines.