Art at the Mill
June 18, 2022
The weather was perfect for an enjoyable day at the Richfield Historical Park. What went on at the Park on June 18? The 14th annual Art at the Mill. This was an art and fine craft fair and much more - live music, displays/tours of historic buildings, tasty food, silent auction, wagon ride.
Prior
to the event, all the tents had to be set up, tables moved to specific
locations, signage put in place and on and on. These tasks are handled
by the dedicated Thursday volunteer crew.
On
the morning of the fair, 90+ exhibitors converged on the Park to set up
up their booths. Always an exciting and chaotic couple of hours, but
everyone eventually gets done in time for the visitors to arrive in the
people mover.
The talented artists and unique vendors proudly displayed their works and wares. You could find handmade garden art, intriguing paintings, carved gourds, unique clothing, attractive pottery -- just to name a few items displayed in the artists' tents. Nuts, popcorn, caramels and jams/jelly enticed visitors to the vendors' tents.
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Richfield's own Lions Club provided the delicious food -- chicken salad on a croissant, hot dogs and BBQ sliders.
A steady stream of thirsty attendees or those looking for an ice cream treat visited the RHS beverage and ice cream tent.
From 11 to 3, the well-known musical group, VIVO,
entertained a crowd sitting to relax and enjoying their lunch. This
group's musicians are Warren Wiegratz, Pam Duronio & Tim Stemper.
Most of the artists and vendors provided an item for the Silent
Auction for which the Society is very grateful. A high bid would get
you a treasure for your home or as a gift for someone special.
At
the Richfield Historical Society's tent, you could pick up a membership
form, learn about the Society's activities, purchase delicious maple
syrup, a t-shirt or a cap.
The tours of the Mill and Mill House were free this year in celebration of the Society's 25th Anniversary.
Visitors
went
inside for a self-guided tour to see how life was long ago: no running
water, heat supplied from wood-burning stoves, ice box (electricity
didn't come to this house until the 1920s).
The
Messer/Mayer Mill, with all of its original equipment, gave a lesson
on grinding grain into flour.
Inside
the Lillicrapp Welcome Center, visitors enjoyed the general store
display and talking with volunteers about Richfield's history.
Quotes from Visitors and Exhibitors:
"Wonderful all around."
"Looking forward to next year."
"Congratulations on an amazing event."
The proceeds from Richfield Art at the Mill will go toward Richfield Historical Society projects, in particular the restoration of the Messer/Mayer Mill to Get the Mill Grinding. The current Mill project is the rebuilding of the engine shed which will house the Superior Engine. This will supply the power to turn the millstones.
Thank you to all of the Exhibitors, Attendees, Sponsors and Volunteers who made 2022 Art at the Mill a success.
Mark Your Calendars for Next Year's Art at the Mill
Saturday, June 17, 2023
