W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend 2025: Local Crafts, Fall Fun & Winter Weather Forecast in Cattaraugus County
W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend 2025: Local Crafts, Fall Fun & Winter Weather Forecast in Cattaraugus County
Shop Local & Discover the Winter Forecast at W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend
PHOTO CREDIT: @emountains
The woolly bear caterpillar - the original winter weather forecaster - is one of the most iconic sights in nature this time of year. According to legend, the wider the rusty brown section in the middle of the woolly bear caterpillar, the milder the coming winter will be. So what’s in the forecast for this winter? In just a couple of weeks, on October 18th and 19th, the forecast is calling for plenty of locally made crafts and goods during the W.I.L.M.A. Woolly Bear Weekend at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds! And if you’re still curious about the actual winter forecast, you can find that out, too, at W.I.L.M.A.!
This year marks the 13th annual W.I.L.M.A. event, which encourages visitors to support local businesses and artisans. According to Deborah Miller of the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism, “The idea was a collaboration of staff ideas from within the EDPT department. We wanted a way to highlight the local businesses in Cattaraugus County. We invited all manufacturers and artisans within the county, thus creating W.I.L.M.A. (We Invite Local Manufacturers & Artisans). The first event was held in October 2013 as a Buy Local campaign.”
Miller noted that each year, there is a wide variety of items being sold, such as dips, soaps, jewelry, woodworking items, craft items, cookies, wreaths and more. But this isn’t your average craft show! “What makes this event unique is that all the vendors are from Cattaraugus County and our Winter Weather Prediction with Wilma, the Woolly Bear,” Miller noted. That’s right, Wilma, the woolly bear caterpillar, will be on-site with her annual forecast, and visitors may just get a chance to hold her!
For those looking for a unique gift, especially with the approaching holiday season, W.I.L.M.A. is a must-attend event, and it provides an important opportunity for local businesses and artists in the community. “It is a great way to showcase your items and get your name out,” Miller said. “Many of our vendors see returning customers every year.” Although the event happens at the fairgrounds, there’s no need to worry that inclement weather will dampen the fun, as vendors are located indoors. “W.I.L.M.A. has more than doubled in size since our very first event,” Miller pointed out. “We now have both the Corporate and Domestic Buildings at the Fairgrounds full of vendors.”
New for 2025, the first 50 adults in attendance on Saturday, October 18th and the first 25 adults in attendance on Sunday, October 19th will receive $5 in W.I.L.M.A. Bucks, which can be used for a purchase from any vendor! Miller added, “We will also have a door prize drawing to win more W.I.L.M.A. Bucks, which can be spent at any of our vendors throughout the weekend. There will also be a basket raffle with all items being donated by our vendors, and as always, plenty of South Dayton donuts and Pumpkinville cider for all attendees!”
The event is free to attend and takes place from 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am-3:00pm on Sunday. For more information, visit https://enchantedmountains.com/event/2025/wilma-woolly-bear-weekend-1378 and follow Enchanted Mountains, the official county tourism department, on social media.