BUMPING INTO FRIENDS…All over the 2022 Barn Fest, people were seen rejoicing at bumping into friends, family or acquaintances. Hugs were exchanged sometimes and at other times, friendly catch-up conversations were held, like this one with craftsman Joshuah Taylor who makes delightful pieces of woodworking. (PHOTOS BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
Traffic in Bryan, Ohio on Saturday, September 24, 2022 was extremely busy on the east end of town and around Courthouse Square as the Barn Fest and Bryan Fall Fest blended together for anyone loving to buy from local vendors.
Shuttles were running every 15 to 20 minutes between the two events, making it possible to park once and enjoy the entire time from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At the Barn Fest, visitors were greeted by ladies from Newly Quest Club dressed in period costume to give a feeling of stepping back in time.
The delightful smells of caramel corn and the bubbling large iron kettle of Vegetable beef stew permeated the air as the McDonald-Ruff Ice Arena was quickly packed out that morning.
With the vast variety of items brought by at least 40 different vendors, the Barn Fest is known as one of the best fall events in the Bryan area.
This year was no different from local honey to woodworking items, plants to clothing, a great selection of jewelry and handmade fall and Christmas décor, folks wandered slowly through the booths, purchasing the items that called their name.
IRON KETTLE SOUP … This year’s cooks at the 2022 Barn Fest in Bryan, Ohio, from left to right, were Jen Stratton, Jen Green behind the delicious smelling steam, Marissa Lupo and Courtney Powell. These happy cooks had been working since early morning to make this giant kettle of their famous vegetable beef soup. It was served up steaming hot for all who wanted that yummy taste of home.
And of course, the line was long and busy for some of that famous vegetable soup served with bread and butter and choice of homemade pie.
Newlyn Quest Club is a women’s organization committed to fund-raising to support the needs of Williams County, Ohio.
This event is their biggest fund raiser and they joyfully participate each year. This year they were blessed with a crisp and sunny fall day, very glad to not have cold and rainy like last year.
Their well-known giant chocolate chip cookies were seen in many hands while wandering through the arena. It was obvious that everyone there was happy to see Fall arrive, and with it, the Barn Fest!
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com