81st American Crafts & Historic Homes Tour
Click on image below or scan QR code to apply or nominate a speaker or historian.
We so appreciate your interest and consideration!
If you have any questions please email us at [email protected] or call 540-882-3018 x 113 or 114.
By: Tracy Kirkman, Public Programming Director
With the Waterford Foundation’s application season for Demonstrating Artisans just around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on what makes a truly standout submission. We know that the jury process can feel like a “black box” for many talented folks, and our goal is to help you pull back the curtain on that process.
I recently had the pleasure of contributing a deep-dive article for Sunshine Artist Magazine, where I shared the specific strategies we look for when reviewing applications.
While every show is unique, three things remain constant in a winning application:
Fiber Artisan Carolyn Hazelton with Fair Attendee.
I’ve expanded on these points in the full story over at Sunshine Artist. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a first-time applicant, I hope these insights help you feel more confident as you prepare your materials.
Read the full article at Sunshine Artist
Are you ready to showcase your fine heritage or contemporary craft at the Fair?
View our Application Guidelines and Apply as a Demonstrating Artisan Now!
Fine furniture maker Justin Kauffman
demonstrates his craft while Waterford’s
Tracy Kirkman speaks with FOX5 DC.
The 81st Waterford Fair was truly buzzing! Attendees—both locals and guests from further afield—had an incredible time exploring everything the weekend had to offer. The streets were vibrant with amazing arts and crafts, historical interpretations, old-time music, and delicious food.
There was something for everyone to enjoy: touring a historic home, learning to cast a candle, singing along with the troubadours, sampling the Fair Pale Ale, or attending a ‘tent talk’ hosted by the Waterford Craft School. Visitors were fully immersed in the unique atmosphere that makes Waterford so special.
A special thank you to Landmark Artisan Kristin Helberg for donating a hand-painted early American document box for our raffle. Congratulations to our lucky winner, Lani Walker!
More than 125 residents, artisans, and volunteers gathered under the stars on Friday evening for the Welcome Dinner—a delightful way to wind down the first day. The meal, prepared by Smokin Willy BBQ from Purcellville, was excellent. The wine from Carriage House Wineworks and beer from Wheatland Spring paired perfectly with the barbecue, creating a memorable evening for all.
With over 230 artisans showcasing their work throughout the village and inside the Foundation’s historic properties, fairgoers had the unique opportunity to engage directly with the artisans. This interaction—learning about the techniques and inspiration behind the beautiful handmade jewelry, stunning pottery, intricate textiles, hand-built furniture, and fine art—made for a genuinely enriching experience.
Many exhibiting artisans were thrilled with their sales and thankful for the chance to share their passion with such an enthusiastic audience! As the Fair wrapped up, participants and visitors alike left with great memories.
The Waterford Fair continues to be a beloved event that celebrates creativity, history, and traditions, solidifying its reputation as a cherished event in Loudoun County. Thank you to the local civic groups, businesses, sponsors, and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who supported our efforts and helped us reach our fundraising goal!
We hope you experienced a touch of ‘Fair magic’ and created joyful memories to cherish until we meet again next year.
Pencil the dates in your calendar now for the 82nd Fair, which will be held on October 2-4, 2026 (the first full weekend of the month).
We can’t wait to celebrate ALL of our volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Party on November 14th! If you have not seen an invitation in your inbox please contact the office at [email protected] and we will make sure you get it.
Thank you to our incredible Fair Sponsors! Follow this link to check them out and show them some love.
The Main Stage at the 81st Waterford Fair will come alive with music, song, and dance from some of the region’s most talented performers. Here’s a closer look at the groups and artists bringing their talents to this year’s Fair.
Based in Leesburg, the Old Dominion Chorus is Loudoun County’s premier men’s a cappella group and a proud chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Known for everything from doo-wop to gospel, they bring familiar favorites to life with rich harmonies and infectious energy. You may have seen them around town at First Fridays or community events — their mission is simple: to share the joy of singing and make the world a happier place, one smile at a time.
Award-winning musicians Kate MacLeod and Paul Hammerton blend guitar, fiddle, and mountain dulcimer into a sound that bridges folk traditions with fresh originals. Recently named Best of the West by Folk Alliance International, Kate also brought home a blue ribbon at the Appalachian Stringband Festival in 2025. Together, the duo offers audiences music rooted in tradition but alive with contemporary creativity.
Clawhammer banjoist Brad Kolodner has carved a national reputation as both a performer and a radio host, carrying forward the folk traditions he grew up with. He’s toured widely, released chart-topping albums, and helped spark a vibrant Old-Time scene in Baltimore. Paired with acclaimed fiddler George Jackson, the duo delivers old-time tunes with technical brilliance and a contagious joy that’s sure to get toes tapping.
A Fair favorite for a quarter century, the Celtic Rhythm School of Dance is celebrating 25 years of dazzling performances at Waterford. With lively steps and intricate rhythms, these young dancers embody the spirit and tradition of Irish step dancing — a show that always delights crowds of all ages.
The Down Valley Ramblers bring the heart of bluegrass to the Main Stage with their spirited picking and soulful harmonies. Known throughout the region for their traditional sound and warm stage presence, they keep audiences smiling and feet moving with every set.
Hailing from the Shenandoah Valley, Furnace Mountain is known for taking Appalachian traditions in bold new directions. With bass, fiddle, mandolin, and bouzouki, their music can be raucous and foot-stomping or hauntingly poetic. They’ve performed everywhere from the banks of the Yangtze River to the Shenandoah, but they remain a beloved Virginia treasure.
The Dance Academy of Loudoun brings together talented young dancers from across the county for a performance filled with grace, energy, and heart. Their students showcase a variety of styles, delighting audiences and inspiring the next generation of performers.
Husband-and-wife team Sarah and Austin McCombie of Chatham Rabbits have built a loyal following with their heartfelt Americana sound. Their songs are rooted in North Carolina’s old-time traditions, but their newest album, Be Real with Me, shows a band maturing, evolving, and writing with raw honesty. The result is music that is tender, joyful, and unafraid to wrestle with life’s contradictions.
From soaring harmonies and fiddle tunes to Irish dance, bluegrass, and fresh Americana, this year’s Main Stage lineup promises moments you won’t forget.
Click here to see the full line up of entertainment at the Fair!
It truly takes a village to put on the Fair, and we’d love for you to join ours! Your time and support are incredibly appreciated, and for each 4-hour shift you work you will receive a FREE Fair ticket ($25 value).
If you’re ready to jump in and help, please sign up using this link to let us know your area of interest.
We have a variety of tasks where we could use a hand. Here’s a look at just a few:
We so appreciate your consideration! For more ways you can help, follow this link to complete the volunteer inquiry form!
Tent Talks are included in your Fair ticket but are ticketed separately due to limited seating. See the full talk descriptions when you get your ticket(s).
Note: Foundation members and Waterford village residents, since your tickets are distributed electronically, please let staff know which talk(s) you would like to attend and we will reserve your spot(s). Call 540-882-3018 x 0 or email us at [email protected].
We’re thrilled to team up once again with our good neighbors at Wheatland Spring. We can’t wait to sip on this special brew when the Waterford Fair kicks off on October 3rd and are excited to share it with you in August!
Join John Branding, Wheatland Spring’s farmer and brewer, for an evening at the brewery. He’ll share what makes their farm brewery so unique — from how they grow their grains responsibly to their dedication to supporting our local community. We’ll wrap things up with a taste of our brand-new Fair beer!
Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Purchase your ticket(s) here.
When: Friday, August 8th at 6 PM
Where: Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery
38506 John Wolford Rd, Waterford, VA 20197
Cost: $35 (all proceeds directly support the Waterford Fair!
This exclusive event is limited to just twenty guests, so grab your tickets fast – only two per order!
Your ticket includes:
Come on out, tour, taste some amazing beer, and be among the very first to enjoy our new brew!
Get ready! The Fair is just a few months away, and we’re buzzing with excitement as we finalize plans for another unforgettable weekend. Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to support this historic event! You can make a real difference as a booklet page donor (perfect for families and individuals), a business advertiser, a dedicated business sponsor, or by providing an in-kind donation. All the details can be found here!
Is there a food truck or local eatery you think would be perfect for the Fair? We want to hear from you! Please share their name (& contact information if you have it!) with our office at [email protected], and help us bring even more deliciousness to the weekend.
Want to be part of the Fair’s success? Now’s the perfect time to apply to VOLUNTEER! With over 400 available shifts, there are so many ways you can contribute and help bring the Fair to life. Click this link to sign up and join our amazing team. It truly takes a village!
FINAL CALL for amazing creations for the Old Mill Shop! We’re seeking books by local authors, delicious homemade baked goods, and beautiful made-by-hand works. Artisans, bakers and authors, ensure your applications are in by August 11, 2025. Find all the participation details and the application here!