To the Editor:

Many thanks to all who participated in this year’s Farms and Artisans Tour: the Helderberg Hilltowns members who organized and publicized the event; the artists, growers, and entrepreneurs who opened their studios and farms to the public; and the many tourists who came out to explore the countryside and patronize them.

The Crosby Farm’s yaks, Helder-Herdwyck Farm’s sheep, and the Alpaca Shack’s alpacas were some of the highlights of the weekend. The season’s fresh vegetables were popular at several local farms, and Maryann Saddlemire’s pies were a special favorite.

This year’s tour featured a number of new venues in the southern reaches of the Hilltowns, including The Big Eye Gallery in South Westerlo, where owner Hope Koneckny featured a show of works by three sets of mothers and their sons.  The wide variety of offerings made for a fun and rewarding weekend for everyone!

Amy Lauterbach Pokorny, chairwoman

Farms and Artisans Tour