W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend
W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend
11th Annual Craft & Vendor Market is Back at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds
The Fall season offers lots to be enjoyed, with craft shows, festivals, and calendars marked with annual autumn favorites. This month of October, be sure to add the 11th annual W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend to your schedules. This event is much more than just a craft show, it’s a way to support the community. The organization, which is run by the Cattaraugus County Economic Development Department, welcomes guests to enjoy the makings of local Cattaraugus County vendors, while encouraging a boost to local economic growth.
Starting on the weekend of October 21 and 22, 2023 all are open to come by the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds for this free event. You’ll definitely want to plan accordingly, seeing as the first 50 people to attend on Saturday will receive $5 in W.I.L.M.A. bucks to use for their shopping purchases. This also includes the first 25 people that arrive on Sunday. To add to the excitement, door prizes will continue with a Saturday evening drawing at 4:00pm that includes three drawings. Each drawing will have prizes of $75, $50, and $25 respectively and again in the form of W.I.L.M.A. bucks. It’s an opportunity the organization and businesses provide to offer a bit of luck to add to your shopping experience.
The organization of W.I.L.M.A. takes a lot of pride in what they have to offer to the community and guests alike. The name stands for “We Invite Local Manufacturers and Artisans”, which provides a positive space for local businesses to come and showcase their items to people looking to support the area.
Shoppers can make their purchases knowing that they’ll go directly back into the community and support the people there in the room. A large variety of vendors throughout the weekend offer local arts, crafts, and uniquely produced products. One-of-a-kind pieces are sure to be found, you’ll just have to look for yourself!
The event usually draws over 40 vendors specific to the area, which is impressive to say the least. It’s a way to encourage some of the small-scale businesses within the community to continue making and creating the items we love to see. Business owners, Crafters, Manufacturers, Artisans, and more prepare their booths in hopes of catching your eye with something the big box stores can’t give you.
It’s more than just a craft show, for many it’s a Fall experience and tradition that families and visitors alike have enjoyed for years. Taking that morning drive down Route 353 as the leaves change into hues of gold, orange, and red, walking into the smell of apple cider and donuts, and then finding your favorite vendor back with some new pieces to explore. A time that some even mark as the start to buying gifts for the holiday season.
There’s an endless amount of possibilities for finding that perfect gift for a loved one, or you may even choose to treat yourself. You can expect tons of vendors that offer hand poured candles, wooden carved sculptures, wreaths, artisan foods and cheeses, intricate jewelry, woven baskets, and more. Everyone is sure to find something they’ll love.
You may also want to check out the various raffles that will be available. With lots of baskets to choose from, grab yourself a stack of tickets and you might be taking home a prize! These baskets are filled with a collection of items from vendors that are currently being featured at the event. Raffle drawings will be available on both Saturday and Sunday during the event.
While the weekend event has a large focus on the communities’ local vendors, there’s another big star that’s a must to check out… Wilma the Woolly Bear Caterpillar! Tradition has it that a Woolly Bear Caterpillar is able to predict the winter weather to come. If the caterpillar has a long black band, the longer and more severe the winter will be, however the longer the brown band, means for a milder winter. Be sure to come by the event to watch Wilma give us her prediction and let’s hope for a good one! Some lucky attendees may even get the chance to hold the captivating caterpillar.
Fortunately for all those who plan to attend, this event is hosted inside and will not be affected by any chance of rain. The weekend hours include Saturday, October 21st from 10:00am to 4:00pm, as well as Sunday, October 22nd from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in Little Valley, NY. For further information be sure to check out the W.I.L.M.A. Event Page on the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County website HERE.