Cutline: Jessica Simms, left, and Krist-Ann Watsonof Butter and Crème Desserts and Regen Designs run their collective booth together at Saturday’s Harvest Country Fair. (JULIA SACCO)
Whether you were up for some line-dancing lessons or in need of some authentic Jamaican baked goods, last Saturday’s Harvest Country Fair was the place to be.
People gathered at Joseph’s Estate Winery to ring in the autumn season by enjoying what area small businesses had to offer.
Ash Smith and Dave Bagarozza, also known as Funghi & Girl, were excited to be sharing their handmade products with the community.
The Port Colborne duo said the fair was only their fourth or fifth event, but given the popularity of their unique selection of planters and dog feeders, there are many more to come.
“It all started as part of supporting my rescue dog. We found that it was way too expensive actually to purchase one of these, so we made them ourselves,” said Smith.
“Yeah and then all of our friends started taking them,” Bagarozza added. “We figured if people are taking them, then people must want them, so let’s sell them.”
The Harvest Country Fair was also one of the first events for mother-daughter duo Nicole Eslinger and Rita Van Andel of Cole’s Crochet.
“My mom taught me everything and it started off with just me selling it and she recently joined in selling some of her stuff, too,” said Eslinger. “We just started doing markets. This is just our second.”
“It’s been so much fun, we love it!”
Some more seasoned vendors were there as well, like partners Samantha Simms and Kristi-Ann Watson, who came all the way from Caledonia.
Simms sells cakes and pastries at her business, Butter & Crème Desserts and Watson creates handmade wooden goods at Regen Designs.
“We’re originally from Jamaica, so a lot of Jamaican flavours are in my cakes and desserts,” said Simms.
“We do a lot of weddings and catering and (Kristi-Ann) does provide stands and customs designs for weddings as well, so that’s where we come together.”
Aside from visiting these independent vendors, guests could grab some food from Niagara Falls food truck Tropical Fiesta for fresh, homemade Latin food or take a line-dancing lesson from Social Ease Dance Studio.
