Wenham crafts fair moved to September

By Steve Landwehr
STAFF WRITER

September 02, 2008 05:45 am

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WENHAM — There's a reason the third weekend in August has become so popular with event schedulers. According to records kept by the Farmer's Almanac, it is the least likely weekend for rain all year long.

There are now so many celebrations on the penultimate summer weekend, the Wenham Museum decided to break with 35 years of tradition and move its annual arts and crafts fair to Saturday, Sept. 6.

Executive Director Lindsey Diehl said it had become too hard for smaller organizations to attract visitors with so many other activities going on. If things go well, the September date could become permanent, she said.

There are a few other changes in store this year. Admission to the museum and its ongoing exhibits will be free, and along with the juried crafts offerings, several fine artists are also included this year. Also, local vendors will be offering their wares, and the museum will host a snack bar with hot dogs, popcorn and other goodies.

Some artisans will be demonstrating how they create their products, and local Boy Scouts will be offering lemonade.

Traditionally, Wenham Day also featured a Fire Department cookout, but the change of date precluded that this year, Diehl said.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the fair has historically taken over the town center, and fair-goers are advised to arrive early if they want to get a parking spot close to the action. There is no admission charge.

Whether you're attending the fair or not, prepare to be patient if you plan to use Route 1A on Saturday, Sept. 6. Traffic traditionally backs up in both directions on the busy road.

To avoid the delays, from Beverly take Dodge Street to Four Corners in Wenham, turning left onto Larch Row to go to downtown Wenham, or going straight to take Walnut Road into downtown Hamilton.

From Ipswich, reverse the directions.