VALLE CRUCIS — The 48th annual Valle Country Fair (VCF) is set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Valle Crucis Conference Center grounds on NC Highway 194. This highly anticipated event, always held on the third Saturday in October, is known for its wide array of quality crafts, diverse food options, and vibrant community atmosphere, all while serving as a major fundraiser for local human service agencies.
The Fair is hosted by Holy Cross Episcopal Church in cooperation with the Valle Crucis Conference Center. Festivities will spread across a large hayfield, featuring crafts booths, food tents, musical stages, and demonstrations of harvest traditions such as pressing apple cider and cooking apple butter. Bales of hay are strategically placed throughout the walkways, offering fairgoers places to sit and rest.
Over approximately 12 dozen exhibitors have been selected through a competitive jury review process to showcase their creations. This rigorous selection ensures that all articles are "original in design, form, and concept," guaranteeing a wide variety of artistic products for shoppers. While multiple booths may offer similar types of products like jewelry or baskets, each artisan is chosen for their unique style and perspective.
Among the exhibitors are three exceptional artists from Ashe County, including Willow Hollow Atelier and Houck’s Woodworks. McNeill Woodworks of Fleetwood is also representing Ashe County and is one of 26 new businesses exhibiting at the Fair for the first time this year. Woodcrafter Willie Houck of Crumpler, a participant for more than 20 years, attests to the fair's reputation, noting, "what stands out to me is the variety." This variety means shoppers can find anything from small magnets to large metal dragons, appealing to all tastes and price points.
Shoppers often visit the VCF for unique, handmade Christmas and holiday presents, finding items that are truly one-of-a-kind and distinct from those found in big box stores. Crafts like hand-turned wooden bowls, known for their unique elegance, are among the many interesting items available.
The Valle Country Fair has a significant history of giving back to the community, having raised more than $1.4 million for human service agencies and emergency relief in the High Country over its first 47 years. Last year alone, the Fair contributed $83,355 back into the community through grants to local nonprofit organizations and direct relief to families with emergency needs.
This year's VCF grants will support a wide range of organizations, including the Back-to-School Festival, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, the Children’s Council, the Dawn Fund, FARM Café, Foscoe Home Team, Fresh Start at Hospitality House, Frontline to Farm, Habitat for Humanity, High Country Caregivers, the Meeting Place, Mountain Alliance, Spirit Ride Therapeutic Riding Center, Quiet Givers, and WAMY. The outreach committee at Holy Cross Church manages the distribution of all remaining proceeds to help local families in need. Exhibitors often contribute to this charitable mission by graciously donating at least 10 percent of their earnings back to the Fair charities.
Admission to the Valle Country Fair is free. Parking is available in an adjoining field for $10 per car. The proceeds from parking also go back into the community to help the less fortunate. Dale Townsend from the Valle Crucis Conference Center has directed parking at the fair for 37 years, providing a convenience rare for regional arts and crafts festivals. Fairgoers are reminded that NO PETS are allowed at the event. The 2026 Valle Country Fair is sponsored by Curtis Media Group and Mountain Times Publications, with support from the Watauga Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council.
