Chester Fall Fest shines under two sunny days

Suzanne Lawler of Six Loose Ladies, far left, attracts attention on the converted stationary bike, which now aids in spinning wool, if not exercise. CLICK photo to launch gallery. All photos by The Chester Telegraph unless otherwise noted.

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Two sun-filled days and the Green filled with vendors and visitors.

It’s no wonder that Nancy Davis, one of the organizers of the Chester Rotary Club’s annual Chester Fall Festival, declared the event a success. (To launch photo gallery, click any photo)

“Vendors were happy with the event and with their sales,” said Davis. “And businesses on the Green had excellent sales as well,” added Davis, who dropped in on several of the shops to inquire about their weekend.

Saturday’s musical opening was Ernie Belmond, center, and his band.

About 60 vendors paid a fee to Rotary to set up on the Green and in front of the cemetery during the festival. All proceeds go towards the Rotary’s charitable work, much of which comes back into the community including its local college scholarship fund. Davis added that local businesses and people also contribute to the Fall Festival by making soups and coffee for sale and donating supplies, security and promotional support.

Davis said that the Rotary raises $15,000 to $16,000 annually and that $8,000 to $10,000 of that is dedicated to the scholarship fund.

New this year were four one-hour musical performances by Ernie Belmond & Friends, a funk and jazz group who hail from all over the area, Weston Playhouse talent performing Broadway songs, the a cappella group Root 7 from Burlington; and blues guitartist Chris Kleeman of Chester.

From left, Rotary members Rich Stocker, Malcolm Summers, Ann Summers and Dave Nanfeldt.

Asked if there is anything Rotary would do different next year, Davis said, “The Fall Festival Committee will review the  feedback and vendor evaluations to see what can be improved for next year.”

For the past four years, she said, “we’ve focused on increasing signage and promotion and those efforts will continue. We are also looking at ways to make the music fill the entire space without spots that are too loud and to provide more kid friendly activities to draw in more families.”

Webster’s House attracted plenty of visitors with kittens.

For those wishing to sign up the 2016 Fall Festival — Sept. 16 and 17 — Davis said the application will be available on its website by Feb. 1, 2016, and the application deadline is April 1. Returning vendors will receive an application by mail by the end of January.

Shannon Parker of Parker Posie jewelry designs says her sales have gone well.

Weston Playhouse players perform. From left, Piper Goodeve, Susan Haefner, Ryan Mangan, Dorothy Stanley and Leah M. Cunningham. Kent Baker accompanied them on piano. Photo by Nancy Davis.

Pacem Pottery’s Bronna Zlochiver looks over her wares.

Bonnie Watters, in green, speaks with her husband Lew. Watters has been selling her handmade dolls at the Fall Festival since it first began more than 40 years ago.

Melody Reed, a Chester Jewelry maker, talks with a family.

The Green Mountain Union High Class of 2020. Photo by Nancy Davis.

Susie Cross of Ruby Thimble creates custom-made aprons, quilts and other goods.

Chester’s blues man Chris Kleeman also performed on Sunday. Photo by Nancy Davis.

Blake Wyman of Londonderry offers handcrafted and custom wood products including fine and unusual cutting boards.

Root 7 a cappella group performs to a receptive audience on Sunday.

Connie Thompson of Thompson’s Goat Farm in Westminster.

Mulberry Downeast dips and spreads, out of Maine, attracts a good crowd.