A glorious weekend!

Congratulations to all on a very successful Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit on October 2-4! With the beautiful weather the Fair became another magical event. The transformation of the village literally overnight into a beautiful venue for one of the nation's top crafts exhibits is remarkable. The compliments we receive from fairgoers, such as "This is the best event in Virginia," somehow make us forget the hundreds of hours of preparation needed for this event.
 
Our Fair this year was highly successful, and the weak economy seemed to have little demonstrable effect on the crowds, their enthusiasm, and their willingness to purchase fine and unusual crafts. Our Homes Tour ran smoothly, with lines formed outside of each home on tour and with effusive compliments on the beauty of the homes coming from those who were exiting. Our Varnishing Night reception, which was split between the Old School and the Red Barn, was exceptionally well attended and festive. We hope you will all look forward to your invitations next year and join us for the special pre-fair evening. A highlight of the evening was John White's delightfully lively auctioneering of Jim Hanna's beautiful framed photograph of the Phillips Farm through the gardens of the Griffith-Gover House.
 
On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to thank the residents of the village of Waterford for allowing the Foundation to set up the Fair as our major fundraiser and educational outreach. Your cooperation and participation has allowed the Foundation not only to protect almost all of the rural spaces around the village but also to care for the 11 Foundation-owned properties within the village, including the Mill, the Old School, the Second Street School, the Chair Factory, the Corner Store, and the John Wesley Church.
 
The Board also wishes to thank the hundreds of volunteers who come from outside the village to create this exceptional event. At last count we had 405 volunteers working on this three-day affair. Many of you have worked with us for years. Although we know how much all of you look forward to the Fair, we also know how very hard your work can be, and we truly appreciate the gift of time you have given us. Your gift enables us to fulfill the mission of the Waterford Foundation to preserve and educate.
 
We thank our incredibly hard-working and dedicated staff. Fran Holmbraker, our Fair Chairman, is the heart and soul of our Fair, assisted by Mary Kenesson. Other members of our staff worked nearly nonstop for all three days. Their dedication is inspiring to all of us.
 
Finally, as President I would like to thank all members of the Board of Directors who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend in different capacities and demonstrated an unparallelled devotion to the cause.
 
Sincerely yours,

President

Crowds fill Second Street on the first day of the Waterford Fair. [photo by Ron Hall]