Each December, Ancram hosts Winterfest, a holiday gathering that brings neighbors and visitors together for an afternoon of seasonal activities and local crafts. This Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Ancram Town Hall and its surroundings will feature music, food, artisan vendors and a range of family-friendly offerings.
“Winterfest reflects the best of small-town living,” said Steve Olyha, who helped revive the event in 2017. “Volunteers become friends. There’s music, shopping, Santa, and happy kids from one to 92.”
The Ancram Volunteer Fire Department will provide free hot chocolate, burgers and hot dogs, while the Ancram Center for the Arts will offer face painting. Families can decorate cookies or sing along with folk musician Mark Rust. Santa’s arrival by fire engine at 4:30 p.m. remains a key attraction for children.
This year, Winterfest introduces a wine and spirits tasting hosted by Fulton and Forbes, a wine shop located across the street from Town Hall. “Now that the shop has been open for almost nine months, I’ve experienced the importance, impact and joy of community building,” said owner Rachel Merriam. “Volunteering last year [when the shop was still under construction] allowed me to meet so many people, and over 2024 I’ve grown these relationships. Having a cocktail party at the shop this year will allow me to share the space with others.” Merriam will feature a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and a Côtes du Rhône, as well as mulled wine made with local honey, brandy and spices. Local distilleries Hillrock and Ten Mile will provide spirits for tasting.
Winterfest’s artisan market highlights handcrafted goods from the Hudson Valley. Ancram resident Santina Tirone will sell cards, prints, ornaments and winter-themed decorations. “It brings me such joy to be a part of this important community event,” Tirone said. “I look forward to the giggles and the beauty of the season.”
Bob Bachler, who works out of the former Simon’s General Store, will showcase functional and decorative ceramics. “My functional and decorative ceramics are made on the potter’s wheel or hand-built. All are food-safe and dishwasher-proof,” Bachler said. “At the event, I see old friends and make new ones and talk about my process. Using original, hand-crafted pieces in your home enhances your daily activities and life overall.”
Other vendors include Dashing Star Farm, which will offer wool products such as hand-knit apparel and woven blankets, and Maggie Slater of Memories by Maggie Photography, who will sell prints and magnets featuring local landscapes. “I absolutely love capturing photos and seeing what looks better on what paper,” Slater said. “Other people sharing my joy makes me thrilled.”
Vinny Cartiglia of Framed and Bejeweled will bring pieces crafted from vintage costume jewelry. “My ‘HeART’ is heart-inspired, made from vintage costume jewelry and framed in vintage and recycled frames as well as using recycled paper,” Cartiglia said. “I can’t wait to share my holiday HeART creations and see the community come together to celebrate the holiday spirit.”
Winterfest volunteer coordinator Don Nienas will sell wooden puzzles and paint sets, with proceeds supporting the Ancram Summer Camp. “They were all designed in France,” he said. “I look forward to Winterfest every year because it is such a charming and heart-warming way to start the holiday season—like something out of a Hallmark movie.”
The event also features hand-poured candles, smoked sea salts, herbal body oils, maple syrup, jewelry and holiday pies. Jules Farr of Art Deco Studio returns with ornaments and accessories. “I’m back this year because the hosts and attendees are all so friendly and welcoming,” Farr said.
