On Tap: The Arden Fair, 101 years strong

From the humble appearance of Arden, it’s hard to tell how huge the annual Arden Fair is.  Once a year this town transforms from quaint to bustling to celebrate the end of summer with this festival on the Saturday before Labor Day, now in it’s 101st year.

On August 30 guests can expect to see plenty of residents in Renaissance costumes from the Arden Shakespeare Gild, one of the Arden Gilds providing entertainment. 

A major draw of the festival is the 100+ craft exhibitors and booths set up throughout the fair.  Crafters of every kind can be found, from demonstrations of Pete Renzetti’s “Puddle People” and metal working, to pottery by Alan Burselm and handmade soap.

The fair isn’t all arts and crafts.  Children (and the young at heart) have plenty to do with rides and games, including pony rides and face painting. 

Live music is from six bands fills the air and a large food court also offers a large variety of traditional festival food like grilled corn on the cob as well as beer and wine.

It wouldn’t be Arden Fair without a strong representation of the town’s varied Gilds. Arden’s Folk Gild will have presentations in the Gild Hall and the Gardeners' Gild holds a plant sale, with many other Gilds helping with other activities.

Last year I wish I took advantage of the fairs free shuttle bus service instead of finding parking on nearby streets. (Two words: Parking nightmare.)  The fair is so popular that it’s difficult to find parking unless you arrive early or use the shuttle, which leaves from the YMCA Hanby Outdoor Center on Chestnut Road.

Guests can also “experience an alternative, self-discovery route for mind, body and spirit” in the Buzz Ware Village Center, where Peddlers, Potions and Practitioners will be set up, a holistic marketplace.

The 101st Arden Fair opens at 10 a.m. on August 30 until 6 p.m.  The fair is free with a rain date of August 31 from noon to 6 p.m.  Fair takes place at The Arden Club, 2126 The Highway, Arden.  For more information, or to volunteer to help, call 475-7268.