Member Notice

Top Five Updates & More

July 20, 2026

Last fall, many of you participated in our Annual Craftsmen's Fair Wrap Up survey, sharing thoughtful feedback and ideas for improving the Fair experience. We wanted to let you know—we heard you and our committees and team here at the office went to work!

• Guest Artist Program
• More Food Options
• Focus on Food Value / Aesthetics
• Additional Benches/Seating

Ongoing improvements are driven by member feedback as we continue to evaluate and enhance the Fair experience each year. We've updated and expanded a few more initiatives which we are excited to share with you!

This infographic was developed with the Events Committee to communicate the Guest Artist Program. This year's review process was enhanced through a joint Events and Standards Committee evaluation using a standardized rubric, dedicated review, and equal-weight scoring by all committee members. Participant numbers may shift slightly before the Fair opens due to individual circumstances.

Expanded Food Options:

Returning favorites and new vendors join this year's lineup, including a new mini food court near Tent 1. Enjoy more vegan and gluten-free choices, fresh seafood, BBQ, and delicious sweet treats.

Check out the full vendor lineup online and follow us on social media for previews and highlights.

Seating:

We have over 50 benches en route to support more seating throughout the fairgrounds!

A special thanks to the Sunapee team for scouting out the entire park to support our event!

Expanded Live Music Programming:

In addition to enhancing our food offerings, we’ve expanded our live music schedule to feature full sets throughout each day of the Fair.

Through an expanded partnership with the NH Music Collective, visitors can enjoy a diverse lineup of local musicians, creating an even more vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the creativity and talent found throughout New Hampshire.

Craft Beer Partnerships: 

A new collaboration with the NH Brewers Association celebrates NH’s finest craftsmen and craft brewers.

Raise a glass to the uncompromising craftsmanship of these innovators throughout the Spirit of the Maker series of 2026!

Learn more at spiritofthemaker.org and the recent episode on Chronicle.