News

81st Fair Updates, Ways to Participate & Application Deadlines…

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!

Local Artist Vicki C. Garrison’s “Waterford Shadows” Selected for 81st Fair Cover Art

This year’s selection process for the 81st Fair’s featured artwork was especially competitive, with over twenty entries. We are pleased to announce that Vicki C. Garrison of Hamilton, Virginia, has been selected as the winner of the 81st Waterford Fair Cover Art Competition. Her exceptional watercolor, “Waterford Shadows,” will be featured on the cover of this year’s Fair booklet and in all digital materials.

Vicki, a native of Purcellville, Virginia, and a Hamilton resident for the past four decades, has dedicated recent years to advancing her expertise in watercolor, alongside exploring oil painting. This renewed focus represents the culmination of a lifelong artistic interest.

Her artistic development includes participation in numerous classes and plein air workshops with regional artists, as well as specialized instruction from nationally acclaimed watercolor artist Tom Lynch. Vicki is also an active member of the Loudoun Sketch Club, regularly engaging in their exhibitions and plein air painting initiatives.

We can’t wait for everyone to see “Waterford Shadows” showcased this year. Please join us in congratulating her!

Village Residents…

Applications Are Now Open!

Local Artisans & Bakers (Old Mill Shop), Farmers and Value Added Producers (Farmers Market), Food & Drink Merchants, Sponsors, Fair Booklet Page Patrons and Potential Guest Speakers, we are excited to have you join us for the 81st Fair.

Applications are now open and can be found by following this link or by clicking the image below. Fine Art, Art Mart and the Dried Flower Barn will open for applications per the schedule below.

As we get closer to October we will also be looking for volunteers to join the Fair team! You can check back at waterfordfairva.org later this year for more information.

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.

Calling all ARTISTS…We Are Now Accepting Applications for Art at the Red Barn!

Local 2-D and 3-D artists, we are now accepting applications for the Fair’s Fine Art Exhibit and Sale and Art Mart. Details and application can be found by following this link or by clicking the image below.

Accepted Media for Art Mart: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, charcoals, block print, pen and ink, pencil drawings, collage and 3-dimensional work (decorative, not functional). Framed prints and cards are not accepted. Cards can be sold at the Old Mill Shop via a separate application. Matted prints and unframed originals may be sold in your own bin.

Fine Art Categories:
• Oil Painting
• Acrylic Painting
• Water Media: watercolor, gouache or other water-media painting
• Pastel, & Drawing: Any dry media: pastel, colored pencil, graphite, charcoal, ink or other drawing media
• Mixed Media/Sculpture: more than one media, 50% each of two media, block print, 3-dimensional sculpture or collage
Special Category Requirements: In ANY Category, work may be considered for Best in Show, Best Loudoun Artist, or Best Waterford Scene.

As we get closer to October we will also be looking for volunteers to join the Fair team! You can check back at waterfordfairva.org later this year for more information. 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.

Applications Are Now Open!

Applications are now open and can be found by following this link or by clicking the image below. Fine Art, Art Mart and the Dried Flower Barn will open for applications per the schedule below.

As we get closer to October we will also be looking for volunteers to join the Fair team! You can check back at waterfordfairva.org later this year for more information.

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.

Play your part…SEVEN ways!

…and when we get closer to October we will also be looking for volunteers to join the Fair team! You can check back at waterfordfairva.org later this year for more information.

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.

Fair Recap…

The 80th Waterford Fair, which took place from October 4-6, 2024, was a resounding success, drawing over 15,000 attendees to the Landmark. Blessed with glorious fall weather (after 12 consecutive days of rain), the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser offered a perfect backdrop for visitors to enjoy a diverse array of activities.

Attendees, both locals and from further afield, had a great time exploring everything the Fair had to offer—amazing arts and crafts, historical interpretations and talks, old-time music, and delicious food. The streets were buzzing with excitement, and there was something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it was touring a historic home, learning how to cast a candle, singing along with the troubadours, sampling the 80^th Anniversary Fair Pale Ale, or attending a ‘tent talk’ hosted by the Waterford Craft School, folks were fully immersed in the unique atmosphere that is Waterford.

A special thank you to Landmark Artisan Susan Withnell for donating this hand woven scarf for our raffle! (image: winner Lynne Anderson).

More than 160 residents, artisans, and volunteers gathered on Friday evening for the Welcome Dinner, which was a delightful kickoff to the Fair! The meal, prepared by Farm Belly, exceeded expectations. Paired perfectly with the hearty stews were the drinks from Carriage House Wineworks and Wheatland Spring, creating a memorable evening for all.

A special thanks to southwestern Virginia musicians Ashley & Andrew, who performed throughout the evening, and to the entire “Talbott’s Tavern on the Lawn” team for creating a magical night!

With over 225 artisans showcasing their crafts and art around the village and in several of the Foundation’s historic properties, fairgoers had the opportunity to engage directly with artists, learning about the techniques and inspirations behind their work. This direct interaction contributed to the Fair’s vibrant atmosphere, making it an enriching experience for everyone involved. From beautiful handmade jewelry to stunning pottery and intricate textiles to fine art and sculpture, the talent on display was truly impressive. Many exhibiting artisans commented that they were thrilled with their sales and thankful for the chance to share their passion with such an enthusiastic audience! As the Fair wrapped up, both the participants and visitors walked away with great memories, already looking forward to next year.

The Waterford Fair continues to be a beloved event that celebrates creativity, history, community, and traditions, with this year’s edition further solidifying its reputation as a cherished tradition in Loudoun County. Thank you to the local civic groups, businesses, sponsors and the hundreds of volunteers that 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.

Secretary Lohr talking with local farmers

Pencil the dates in your calendar now for the 81st Fair, which will be held on October 3-5, 2025 (the first full weekend of the month).

We can’t wait to celebrate ALL of our volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Party on November 4^th! If you have not seen an invitation in your inbox please contact the office at [email protected] and we will resend it.

Thank you to our Fair Sponsors! Follow this link to check them out and show them some love.

VOLUNTEER at the Fair!

Please sign up using the specific area links below or use our general form to let us know you are interested and someone will get in touch.

If you know and/or come across any of these folks Fair weekend, please thank them for their tremendous work!

Specific areas:

Our Operations Team needs a few folks to help set out safety fencing and cones on Tuesday, 10/1/24. Please email the office and we will pass your contact info along to Mike Bennett, Ken Getty & Dave Hunt, or if you know them, reach out directly.
Have an affinity for the artisans and vendors at the Mill/Bond Street Barn end of the village and enjoy problem solving? Annie & Joe Goode are down a teammate and need a third Area Coordinator. Please email the office if you are interested!
We have a few spots open at the Waterford Craft School Tent! Welcome folks to the Tent Talks, talk with fairgoers about upcoming classes and/or help kids make a “itty-bitty” broom. Click here to sign up!
Help with welcoming fairgoers at the ticket gates by signing up here. The Welcome Team takes tickets and helps folks remember where they park their cars. This team is led by Chris Wood & Grey Frandsen.
The Old Mill Shop, run by Cerrena Baird, Emily Houston & Carol Davis, could use floor monitors, cashiers and wrappers. Sign up here.
Art at the Red Barn lead Lis Zadravec could use some help with show set up/break down and also working the floor. Details can be found here.
If checking IDs, pouring drinks and slinging fun is more your thing (and you are 21 or older), sign up to volunteer at the Mills End Waystation. Mark Sutton & Marty Rathmann would greatly appreciate your help!
Love the homes on tour? Become a docent and share these amazing places with fairgoers! Click here to sign up. Elyssa Wood and the Tours Committee won’t bite 😉
Let your “Martha Stewart” shine working with our Artisan Hospitality Team! Give Demonstrating Artisans short breaks, help them with set up and/or breakdown, run errands for them and help out with the Welcome Dinner. Email the office and we will get you in touch with the team leads Kerry Roszel, Karen Bennett & Camilla Strongin.

We so appreciate your support and time!