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Millville's Hidden Hamlet Art Fair features quality, handmade work

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Founder and organizer Judy Carlson

By Correne Martin

The Hidden Hamlet Art Fair in Millville is a tucked-away treasure that’s brought together the community’s artisans to showcase and sell their handmade creations for 35 years. It attracts more people than reside in the township of 200, as an estimated 300 visitors stop by the art fair each year at the Millville Town Hall on County Highway C (along the Wisconsin River). The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The art fair will feature a diverse assortment of original woodworking, pottery, rugs, wall hangings, painted antiques, sewing, felting, needlework, dried flowers, plants and more. Also, consumables such as bakery and produce items, honey, maple syrup, candy, lots of pies and even soap will be available for purchase.

“I think people would be surprised it’s a quaint event, with very friendly people and some quality, handmade work. Shoppers have always commented on how nice it is,” founder and organizer Judy Carlson said. “They won’t find a lot of this anywhere else. Most of these people don’t show at other fairs.”

Carlson explained that the Hidden Hamlet Art Fair is not only unique in what it offers, but also in how the products are displayed. Merchandise from about 12 to 15 vendors is set up in a shop-like setting, rather than the typical booth arrangement. Once in a while, someone requests to keep their items separate and, in that case, they set up a tent outside.

“We have the right combination of features: the fall colors are out and it’s right before the Christmas season,” Carlson added. “We try to keep things within the gift price range. We have had some that are more expensive, but mostly, it’s less than $30.”

Tourists or local shoppers looking to make a day out of traveling southwest Wisconsin are encouraged to mark the Hidden Hamlet Art Fair on their route while also checking out the apple orchards, church festivals, parks/campgrounds and leaf-looking opportunities provided by the beautiful bluffs this time of year. “People can make a pretty good circuit out of it,” Carlson said.

“They come from quite a distance—places like Florida and Minneapolis—every year and a lot of them keep coming back.”

Carlson emphasized that the art fair is “not just a bunch of things you’re going to hang on your wall.”

“You can really use everything,” she noted. “You can also support the local people and the economy by buying locally-made products that are well-made and one of a kind.”

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