Arts in the Barn Returns to East Concord for Two Fall Weekends
The annual Arts in the Barn celebration brings more than 30 Western New York artists and craftspeople together for two weekends of handmade goods, local food and fall fun at Wendel’s Poultry Farm.
It doesn’t get much better than this… Original and handmade work by over 30 WNY artists and craftspeople. Delicious homemade baked and canned goods. A large, 2-story Amish-built, working sugar house. Maple syrup, honey, apples, cornstalks, pumpkins, and hayrides. The smell of grilled chicken wafting in the crisp fall air. The vibrant colors of fall foliage in the bucolic hills of the southern tier as the backdrop.
For those of you have been to Arts in the Barn before, you know exactly what I’m talking about. For those of you who haven’t, you’ve been missing out on something very special as our visitors tell us each year. There are lots of fall festivals, but then there’s THIS one - a truly exceptional grassroots arts event with a warm, welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere set in a unique venue. The drive through the hills to get there also adds to the ambiance and experience.
It started 26 years ago by Martha Anderson for a small group of her creative friends to get together in her own barn. It’s developed into a much-anticipated 2-weekend wonderful experience each October held at Wendel’s Poultry Farm on Route 240 in East Concord. Attendance continues to grow exponentially as people from all over WNY and beyond make it a yearly autumn destination point.
Very notable is the wide variety of original, high-quality work and goods filling both floors. You won’t be oversaturated with the same ol’ same ol‘. Great pride is taken in keeping things new and fresh. Many of the favorite vendors return each year with wares such as framed art in many styles, subject matter and mediums; photography, sea glass items, home decor, leather purses and goods, bee products, candles, goat milk soap, hand forged knives, special handmade art cards, decorative antique apothecary bottles, unusual ornaments, jewelry, tie-dyed clothing, functional wood-turned items, birdhouses and yard art, pottery, and so much more. Jams and other canned goods, baked goods, honey, maple syrup products, apples, and pumpkins are also available. A local distillery or two also participate. Many people tell us they do most or all of their holiday shopping here because of the fabulous art and other merchandise.
New vendors are added if spaces open up, as they are limited and must commit to both weekends. As word has gotten out about what a wonderful rural gem this event is, there is a waiting list, however. Applicants must show something different than what will be on display year to year and be approved by Martha. Her contact information is available on our Facebook page: Arts In the Barn.
This event runs for two weekends each year. This year’s dates are October 17-18 and October 24-25. Saturday hours are 9:00am-4:00pm and Sunday hours are 10:00am-4:00pm. The event is free with ample parking and is held rain or shine. Or snow. But no worries! The beautiful sugar house is warm and cozy inside. The wagon ride with Wanda the Witch is weather dependent but the chicken BBQ is held regardless until sold out.
Please note that some vendors are cash only. There’s an ATM available inside the on-site store which sells all kinds of additional goods as well as farm fresh and frozen chicken and turkey items. We hope to see you there this year!