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Date: 9/29/2021
SOUTHWICK — When organizers of the Granville Harvest Fair canceled plans for this fall’s annual event, Jennifer Nolasco, owner of the Brass Rail, sprang into action.
“We were saddened by the news of the cancelation, as well as many others, and decided to host a harvest festival on Oct. 16 to provide vendors another venue to showcase their crafts,” said Jessica Santinello, the Brass Rail’s event coordinator.
Santinello said the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event is open to all vendors and food trucks, especially those who had planned to participate in the Granville Harvest Fair.
“We really feel for the vendors who had planned to be at the Granville Harvest Fair,” said Santinello, adding, “We are offering a spot free of charge for any local vendors to showcase and sell their items, crafts, etc.”
Santinello said there is ample space to accommodate at least 40 vendors and food trucks on the grounds at 90 Point Grove Rd., Southwick.
“We still have room for more vendors and the deadline is Oct. 8 to sign up,” said Santinello, noting a vendor application form is available via the Brass Rail page on Facebook.com. “We understand that the Granville Harvest Fair brings much-needed revenue to local businesses and we would love to be able to help any way we can,” said Santinello.
Since the town’s 250th anniversary parade is also taking place on Oct. 16, starting at 1 p.m., Santinello said a section of College Highway will be closed to traffic to accommodate marchers. For updates on the parade route, visit the Southwick Civic Fund page on Facebook.
“We encourage those attending our harvest festival to consider alternate routes during that time,” she said.
Food vendors already signed up to participate include Beatriz and Nelson Aguirres, owners of Crazy Arepas, and Shawn Carey, owner of The Deviled Egg.
“We will be selling arepas, steak and cheese wraps, tripletas and crazy fries,” said Nelson Aguirres, noting they had originally planned to be at the Granville Harvest Fair. While they were disappointed that the Granville Harvest Fair was canceled, they were pleased to be invited to the Brass Rail’s event. “We love those types of events,” said Aguirres.
For Carey, The Deviled Egg is a new business venture. “I will be serving my normal menu,” said Carey, adding, “all the burgers are hand-pressed and all chicken products are hand-processed, nothing is frozen or from a box.”
Carey added, of course, the “stars of the show” are the deviled eggs. “I am looking forward to meeting many new faces and hope everyone who eats enjoys the food,” said Carey, noting this will be his fifth event as a food truck vendor.
Local businesses also signed up as vendors include Amanda St. Pierre of LooBug Designs, featuring crochet sweaters, stuffed animals, hats and wearables; Kristen Bassi of Absewlutely Sassy Designs, offering coffee cozies, scarves, totes and masks; Kim Velly, selling acrylic paintings; and Chuck Marquis of Old New England Woodworking. Vendors also selling their wares include Allison Lee of We Love Blankets Co., selling knitted blankets; Laura Destin of A Ceramic Studio, featuring a booth for kids to paint acrylics and take home a gift, and Susan Brown of Windycrest Farm, featuring handcrafted goat milk soap.
“We have at least 25 small businesses planning to participate at the harvest festival,” said Santinello, adding, “Vendors are hurting, and this gives them a chance to supplement their revenue.”
For area residents who are eager to start their holiday shopping early, Santinello said this is the perfect event to find unique, local handcrafted gifts for all ages. Additionally, while mingling among the vendor tables and tents, Ally and Kenny of Southern Rain will perform from noon to 4 p.m.
“We want to provide a way for the community to shop local and support local businesses, and festivals like this are one of the ways small businesses can make extra money and keep the money in our community,” said Santinello.
Since the event is planned rain or shine, Santinello noted that the Brass Rail has ample space within the building to accommodate vendors in the event of inclement weather.
“We also plan to offer some unique seasonal drinks during the event,” she said. For more information, contact Santinello at jsantinello22@gmail.com or through the Brass Rail’s Facebook page.