Amp Up Your Autumn: 1st Annual Amish Fall Crawl
Amp Up Your Autumn: 1st Annual Amish Fall Crawl
Catt. County Tourism Organizes New Event Combining English & Amish Goods
If a peaceful day in the country perusing handmade wares, delicious baked goods, and beautiful views sounds like your kind of Saturday, then you won’t want to miss the first-ever Amish Market & Fall Crawl this Saturday, September 9th from 10 :00am-4:00pm. “This is a brand-new event and something we’ve talked about doing for a few years,” said Samantha Hayes, tourism specialist for the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism. “We’ve wanted to put an event together where both English and Amish products are available, and we’re looking forward to it!”
The starting point and “market place” is Valley View Cheese, located at 6028 Route 62 in Conewango Valley. For over 60 years, Valley View has been a must-see stop for visitors, as their impressive selection of cheeses - many of which are made fresh in the cheese factory next door - includes something for everyone’s taste. Valley View has also gained a reputation for carrying a large variety of Amish-made goods, and there will be plenty to choose from at Saturday’s event. Hayes explained, “The back room of Valley View is opened up with lots of beautiful quilts on display. There will be polywood furniture, Malinda’s candies, fresh pies, and lots more.”
While Hayes hopes that participating Amish vendors will be there in person to sell their wares, some may not be able to attend, due to time-sensitive work at home. However, there will be plenty of Amish-made products to shop, as well as items from “English” (non-Amish) vendors who will be in attendance. Vendors include “If Unique is What you Seek” (recycled and repurposed items made into wind chimes, yo-yos, jewelry, home and garden décor); Borden Street Bakery (barnwood home décor items and delicious cookies); Herbal Expressions (dip, soup, and slushie mixes, knitted and crocheted items, soaps, and more); and Peaceful Intentions (aura readings, genuine crystal bracelets, wire-wrapped necklaces, and rings).
While there is plenty to choose from at Valley View, there’s even more in store for those who participate in the “crawl” aspect of the event. “Valley View will have a little bit of what you’ll find if you get out and explore the Amish Trail,” said Hayes. “We plan to hand out Amish Trail brochures, which include a map of other businesses. There are hundreds of Amish shops for people to get out and about and explore!”
The other element of the “crawl” includes the participating museums. Hayes explained, “The Leon Historical Society (62 Main Street, Leon) will have Amish women there presenting on the process of quilting. They’ll be there from 10:00am-4:00pm to show the different stages of quilting and answer questions. The LHS will have other exhibits for visitors to explore, too.” South Dayton’s Depot Movie & Rail Museum at 108 W. Railroad Street (famous for appearing in “The Natural” and “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”) will be open to visitors. There, former Mayor Larry Zollinger will discuss how the railroad affected the community of South Dayton after 1875. The American Museum of Cutlery at 9 N. Main Street in Cattaraugus will be open from 1:00-4:00pm. Known as the first railroad “boom town”, Cattaraugus was once home to several different cutlery companies in the 19th and 20th centuries, and this museum is the place to see examples of knives, swords, and other edged tools and weapons that were made locally.
Hayes has some important reminders for those who plan on enjoying the Amish Market & Fall Crawl. “We recommend taking your time, going slow, and watching for buggies,” she said. Due to Amish religious beliefs, “NO photographs of the people, but they’re usually okay with photos of the landscape and buggies.” Remember to bring cash, as Amish shops do not have electricity to accept credit cards. For more information about the Amish Trail, including participating businesses, tours, a map and more, visit www.amishtrail.com.