Show Review of the Month Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst

January 2024, by Dawn Lombard

May 5-7, 2023; Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst, Tarrytown, NY. Contact: Artrider Productions, Jackie Jarit Sobel Hersh, P.O. Box 28, Woodstock, NY 12498; Phone: 845-331-7900; Email: crafts@artrider.com; Website: artrider.com; Application fee: $55; Space fees: $875 to $1,750; Space sizes: 10x10 to 20x10; Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; 100% outdoors; Exhibitors: 220; Admission: $12 (general), $11 (age 62 and up), $4 (ages 6 to 16), and no charge for those under age 6. 

After a five-day streak of rain, the weekend’s weather forecast seemed decent. However, the weather turned out to be exceptional at Artrider’s three-day Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst show this year, with clear skies and temperatures near 80 degrees each day. 

This well-known show features a wide range of categories, including handmade original fashions, accessories, and jewelry, as well as functional and sculptural works in ceramics, glass, metal, fiber, wood, and mixed media. Additionally, the show includes fine art painting, printmaking, drawing, and photography. The event is well curated, with no competing artisans, making it an excellent opportunity to showcase one’s work. 

The show also offered a wide range of gourmet foods, specialties, food trucks, and tastings from local distilleries, wineries, and cider houses. There was a puppet show that happened twice a day, and the kiddos could have their face painted. 

But unlike a carnival or street fair, this show is well screened, and attendees are looking for the best of the best, which often leads to great sales. 

The load-in process can be tricky, as vehicles cannot drive directly to booths. Load-in was only permitted to the aisle, which can cause difficulties depending on the weather, as the event is held on the grassy grounds of the mansion. There was an instance where a vehicle got stuck in a muddy area and required assistance from others in the area. 

The event organizers provided ample porta-potties on the grounds (all oversized), and they were cleaned each morning. In addition, volunteers were available to provide booth sitting, which was a significant advantage for solo exhibitors. 

RV/camping was allowed on the grounds, but there were no hookups. There were indoor restrooms available for campers, although showers were not provided. 

Foot traffic was consistent each day until approximately 4 p.m., when it dwindled down considerably. Despite the number of shoppers, some exhibitors I spoke with (including myself) experienced a 50% decrease in sales compared to last year, which may have been attributed to the economy. 

Load-out was similar to load-in, with everyone attempting to get as close to their booth as possible. Although it can be chaotic, the process generally runs smoothly, as exhibitors are eager to hit the road. Overall, the show was a success, and I would undoubtedly participate again if accepted.