By Emily Sturtevant Eagle Times Correspondent
NEWPORT, N.H. — Newport’s 2023 Apple Pie Crafts Fair welcomed thousands of visitors from across New England to indulge in craft vendors, flavorful food, and fun games for the whole family.
Amongst the roughly 130 vendors that staked their claim on the Newport Town Common on Saturday, Aug 26, multiple booths stole the show thanks to their creativity and passion. She Gnomes owner Paula Tobin was eager to talk about her crafting journey.
“I started about two and a half years ago,” explained Tobin while standing in front of dozens of brightly colored gnome statues and clips. Her Lebanon- and online-based business aims to “spread gnome love,” much to the delight of her fans.
Tobin’s fellow vendors all had one thing in common: relief in regard to the beautiful weather.
Although the fair was set to take place rain or shine, the crisp breeze and 70-degree weather proved to be unparalleled. The vendors were shielded from the hot sun within their booths, including Joan Butterfield, founder of Anna’s Daughter Design.
Her over-a-decade old handmade felt hat helped keep her cool.
“They’re labor-intensive, but they’re colorful and they’re fun,” said Butterfield.
The entrepreneur has been perfecting her craft for around 12 years, mastering a variety of hats in different shapes, sizes, and for all ages. The latter variety came in handy as more and more people expressed their adoration for Butterfield’s designs, from children to the elderly.
The children not only enjoyed the sight of the vendors, they also were free to enjoy a variety of lawn games. When not distracted by the other fairgoers’ dogs, they helped themselves to activities such mini golf and bean bag throwing. These games were located right beside the far-reaching apple pie tent.
Within the infamous apple pie tent were hundreds of apple pies. Retired Newport School District Teachers Katherine Niboli and Peggy McKenney were two of the many hard workers who took the time to sell these pies to guests.
“Last year we had about 293, I’m thinking we had more than that this year,” said McKenney at 10:40 a.m.
It was this time when they sold their last apple pie. It was only an hour and a half after the fair started.
“This lady here got the last one and she sure is happy,” McKenney said while gesturing to the last customer, who carried her apple pie box away with a blinding smile.
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