Each fall we look forward to fields overflowing with pumpkins, red, orange, and yellow glowing hillsides, fresh apples, hot cider, and breaking out that special flannel shirt. There’s no shortage of things to do in Upstate New York this fall, especially in Washington County
But as the days begin to shorten, we’re reminded of the great annual events held in Washington County each fall, too!
With the closing of the Washington County Fair at the end of each August, farmers, attendees, and local businesses quickly prepare for all things fall! Many of those same fair participants, namely sheep, goat, and rabbit farmers, move quickly to get their wares ready for the fairground’s main event of the fall: the Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival!
This annual event brings together more than 100 artisan vendors from Washington County and surrounding areas for attendees to shop, sample, and learn more about the fiber industry. It’s a great chance to view sheep herding and sheep shearing demonstrations, stock up on locally produced fiber products, and start your holiday shopping! The event takes place on September 25 and 26, 2021.
Love wool and fiber? You can meet the animals and shop right from the farms each spring during the Washington County Fiber Tour.
Another highly anticipated event is the Annual Autumn Leaves Car Show. Whether you love antique cars, shopping from local vendors, or just want to enjoy the weather, there’s nothing better! In its 34th year, this event, hosted by the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce features live music, door prizes, and a hefty competition for car show participants!
Head up north, but watch your surroundings… Whitehall is home to the annual Sasquatch Festival and Calling Contest! This event has been featured nationally as the “premier” Sasquatch calling contest, this community festival isn’t just for believers. Now in its 5th year, the celebration includes food, live music, drinks, researchers, contests and Bigfoot gifts.
So head out to the self-proclaimed “Bigfoot Capital of the Northeast” and try to see him for yourself!
Another annual event with strong community ties is the Historic Salem Courthouse Beer n’ Brats Fall Fundraising Event. Tickets to this event include admission, unlimited samplings of local beer and cider, live music, and choice of dinner, and it all helps support the courthouse’s community events.
The courthouse has also hosted a number of Haunted Nights tours throughout the years, as it’s known for being a very active location for paranormal investigators.
This year, however, SGFPS is hosting a tour in a different paranormal location: the beautiful Skene Manor in Whitehall. Turn up the fear factor and spend the evening of October 2nd in one of the area’s historic homes while searching for proof of otherworldly activity.
If guaranteed scares are more your speed, we have something for you, too! Thistle Downs Farm in Granville has been hard at work mapping out their first-ever haunted corn maze! Head over to shop for pumpkins, see the animals, and explore the 5-acre Movie Monster Hunt corn maze.
Returning this year is the much anticipated Haunted Barn at Little Theater on the Farm! Touted to be the scariest in the area, this year’s theme, produced by Jim & Emily Austin, is “Mis-Fortunes” and is the 15th annual event!
Can’t get enough? Head to Washington County for a variety of fall festivals, all season long! There’s something for everyone, every weekend.
