Support Your Local Artisans
Support Your Local Artisans
W.I.L.M.A Weekend returns to the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds
Small business owners – especially those who rely on in-person events to showcase their wares – have been among those most disadvantaged by the near complete shift to online shopping or at-home delivery created by the pandemic. The absence of craft shows, festivals, and fairs made for a quiet 2020 at the Cattaraugus County fairgrounds in Little Valley, but this fall, the return of in-person festivals and events has been welcome news to all. Samantha Hayes, tourism assistant for the Cattaraugus County Dept. of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism is pleased to announce that the W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend is among those events!
“We are back to a normal W.I.L.M.A. year,” said Hayes. “We will be back at the fairgrounds in Little Valley on Saturday and Sunday, October 16-17th.”
This is the 9th year of W.I.L.M.A., which stands for We Invite Local Manufacturers and Artisans. Despite the pandemic, the event took place last year, though in a very different format. “In 2020, we did a W.I.L.M.A. Fall Crawl every weekend in October,” Hayes explained. “Participating vendors opened their doors or roadside stands for small groups to shop, rather than gathering at the fairgrounds. It was a great year to be able to do some W.I.L.M.A. on the road, but we’re back to our normal event where all can gather and buy directly from the vendors at their booths.”
Each vendor must be from Cattaraugus County, though the range of items that they sell varies greatly, which means there is something for everyone! Hayes explained, “W.I.L.M.A. was created to recognize the amazing artisans we have in our county and to promote shopping and buying locally. We also like to recognize it as the kick-off for the holiday season!”
While some vendors create items that are specifically holiday-themed, such as painted wooden signs and Christmas ornaments, many have a variety of items that also make great gifts. From soaps, jewelry, candles, and primitive and country décor to Cutco’s beautiful cutlery sets, there is something for everyone - who doesn’t love to give (or receive!) a one-of-a-kind or locally made gift?
W.I.L.M.A. is more than just a craft show. It’s a family-oriented event that also includes special events throughout the weekend. Hayes said that Wilma, the woolly bear caterpillar, will be making an appearance on Saturday to give her winter weather prediction. The wider the brown middle stripe, the milder the winter will be, according to folklore. The weekend will also include cider and donuts, as well as a special giveaway for early visitors. “Two years ago, we introduced W.I.L.M.A. bucks,” said Hayes, “and we’re excited to bring it back this year! The first 50 people who come on Saturday will get $5 to spend at any vendor’s stand, and on Sunday, the first 25 people will get $5 in W.I.L.M.A. bucks.” There will also be drawings throughout the weekend for door prizes.
Over the course of the past few months, Hayes has been traveling to several vendor shows, and she expects W.I.L.M.A. to be as busy as ever. “It’s amazing the number of people coming out to these shows,” Hayes noted. “More than ever, people are recognizing the importance of going and supporting our local artisans and manufacturers. So many of our vendors participate in these types of events for the extra money, but a lot of them do it as their primary source of income. We’re so happy to be able to have the event and support them!”
W.I.L.M.A. has grown considerably over the past nine years, as space has increased from just one building of vendors during the first year to filling every space in two buildings. W.I.L.M.A. is free to attend and parking is free as well. Because it is an indoor event, W.I.L.M.A. will take place rain or shine from 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday and from 11:00am-3:00pm on Sunday. For more information, call 1-800-331-0543 or visit https://enchantedmountains.com/events/2021/10/9th-annual-wilma-9610.