Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market: 2014

“Great food, perfect gifts, Santa Claus himself, and now $25 giveaways every day—who wouldn't love Cross Roads?” said Wendy Graham, fudge vendor and president of the Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market’s board of directors. “With three Saturdays left of the 2014 season at the market, we are still going strong. There is so much to see and enjoy. I have to admit I'm not just a vendor, but an avid shopper as well!”

Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market has announced that it will give away $25 in cross bucks—gift certificates to be spent anywhere in the market—each day until it closes down for the season on December 20. Each Saturday in December is a new contest day, so folks are only competing with other visitors who stop by the same day they do. Didn't win last Saturday? Just stop in this weekend and try again!

“So many other markets close down at the end of the summer, but this is a really special time at Cross Roads. I love to see the decorations and find special, one-of-a-kind gifts. And there are unique vendors who weren’t here even a couple of months ago. Folks have to stop by regularly to see it all,” Graham said. “Last week we had live music. Acoustic guitar and singing on Friday as well as a pair of folks with banjos, The Tongue Cluckers, who dropped by to entertain on Saturday. You never know what you'll see or hear at Cross Roads.”

The most recent additions to the Cross Roads family include Shades, Etc., which features unique lighting and gift items. Not sure what to get that hard-to-buy for person on your list? Let there be light! In addition, rockhounds and science buffs will want to stop by and visit Lee Parker, Cross Roads’ resident “rock dude.” Parker has crystals, geodes, jewelry and fossils. There is so much to see in his booth, so plan to take your time and explore. And Cross Roads isn't just about crafters and artists—Visit Paparazzi Accessories to find bling and add a little sparkle to your holiday.

Two wineries, Vetter Vineyards and Merritt Wineries, offer tastings. Cross Roads features an art gallery with everything from paintings to sculpture to textiles. Specialty foods from artisan breads to maple syrup are available. Visitors will find pottery, miniatures, handmade wooden items, gorgeous Christmas decorations, beautiful scarves and jewelry. Bring a friend, spend some time, and meet the vendors who make Cross Roads the “mall-ternative.”

Open from the first week in May until the last Saturday before Christmas, Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market, located at 6017 Westfield-Sherman Road (County Route 21) in Westfield NY, is a charming, rustic destination. The cooperative is always looking for more vendors and artists. For more information, visit www.TheCrossRoadsMarket.com, follow them on Twitter, or check out their Facebook page. Stop by on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Another NEW Vendor - Attention Rockhounds the Rock Dude is here

Come meet the Rock Dude

Lee Parker

Lee is just one of our new vendors this season. I met Lee in a group on Facebook when I put out the word that we were always looking for new products and people for Cross Roads. He was very receptive to renting a booth until he read our rules. Rule 27 which states you must wear shirt and shoes. This rule wouldn't bother most people but Lee hasn't worn shoes in many years. I directed him to the market manager and everything was a go! I didn't even know Lee was coming. On Saturday, October 4, 2014, I was walking through building 1 and there he was. I have always loved rocks and Lee has a wonderful variety, most of them are in their natural states.

In the words of Lee "I Like rocks. I like looking at them, touching them, smashing them with hammers, slicing them with diamond bladed saws, grinding them to dust on diamond studded wheels (and incidentally forming cabochons). I like buying some and selling some. I like talking and writing about them. But, I still don’t know much about them.Each day with them i s a learning experience."

Lee features: Brazilian Agates, both natural and dyed, fossils & coral. He can tell you where they come from and how they were formed. The children seem fascinated by the fossils. They also love to dig through the bins of polished stone looking for that perfect addition to their special collection of rocks. You can also find geodes Lee has sliced in half or a selection of break your own geodes. They would make awesome stocking stuffers.

As you can see in some of the above pictures he also has semi-precious gemstones such as raw garnet, lapis & several types of quartz.

He also has a beautiful selection of quartz clusters. Here you can see some of the amethyst & citrine clusters Lee has on display. They are the perfect gift for your rockhound.

Lee's wife helps him stretch his product line and participates in his addiction to stone by handcrafting sterling silver jewelry with some of Lee's smaller cabochons. She also uses natural stone and other natural materials to create beautiful jewelry.

You can also visit Lee's Certified Rockhound page, for more information.

"If you are looking for natural perfection, keep browsing!" - Lee Parker

Friday, November 7, 2014

Peaceful Designs - Hand building with clay is the most ancient form of pottery

"When you create something with your own hands, the emotion flows into the piece."

And that's what Gerry Vacanti of Peaceful Designs does each time she builds a new piece of pottery.

"Hand building with clay is the most ancient form of pottery," Gerry says, and she honors this tradition in her own art. Creating pieces that comfort the soul while they soothe the eyes, this artist pours her passion into her work.

Featuring gorgeous hand-built bowls, comfort crosses that fit perfectly into the palm of your hand, and clay coins with peaceful reminders on them, Peaceful Designs features the artist's own personal work. The pieces are all unique, and of a quality that begs to be used as gifts, even though it's almost impossible not to choose one for yourself!

Each visit to Cross Roads is a perfect time to visit Peaceful Designs, as Gerry adds new items regularly. Grape leaf bowls mimic nature and hearken to the Chautauqua County area's wine trail. Ornate clay faces make lovely wall hangings, and the exquisite detailing must be seen to fully appreciate. Looking for wind chimes? Gerry makes those, as well, and their soft sounds are soothing in the breeze.

Coach Purses

That's right -Genuine Coach Purses are available at Gerry's booth. Their quality and workmanship are legendary, and Peaceful Designs has them in stock 15% - 30% off msr. The perfect gift for the Coach aficionado on your holiday list.

Stop over to see the selection and add to your collection

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

I did it! You can too!

So here we are, my first season at Cross Roads only has 7 market days left. We close for the season on December 20, 2014 and re-open May 2, 2015. Wow! It has gone so fast.

It was a great experience right from the beginning. Henry - Henri's Gallery of Prints was one of the first people I met. He took the time to talk to me and my husband. I was looking for a 10'x10' space and he talked my husband into a 10'x15' space. I am glad he did. It really made a difference. His daughter Wendy - Fudge N' Stuff, was so kind to me. She made me feel very welcome and accepted right off the bat. She offered to help me paint and cart things in and design my booth. I probably drove her nuts, every time I did anything I would ask for her opinion. She was great about it. Kris - Spice Harbor & Spice Harbor,Too, is the type of person who will tell you what she thinks, if she feels your receptive. It was great. I would come in to find things moved and if she saw I put them back she would come over and explain to me why she moved it. They both had great ideas. They were always there to ask question of. It is a wonderful feeling to have people so willing to help you succeed in what you are doing. Most of the vendors, in any of the buildings, will give you feedback if you ask for it. If you are happy and succeed so do they.

I was instantly accepted! I am a person who just assumes that most people don't like me or that what I do doesn't really matter to most. Most places I have worked I have felt invisible and an outsider but I never felt like that at Cross Roads. They all work together, unlike craft shows where you are only in the same place for a few days, you make friends but you don't usually work as a team. Cross Roads is so different from that. You are expected to put the word out and do personal advertising on your social media sites, but that is something you would have to do if you had your own brick and mortar store front. They ask that you contribute to finding/planning activities that would appeal to a wide range of visitors, just another way to get people to come visit. They want you to succeed. They will do what they can but you must put forth the effort to make your business thrive also. Always remember it is your shop you are only housed in Cross Roads.

I have not become a millionaire but I wasn't looking for that. I am happy to make my rent, pay for my materials and have repeat customers. It is so great to talk to people and find out where they are from and how they heard of Cross Roads. The best part is when someone is instantly drawn to something in your shop and you can see the joy and appreciation in their eyes and the smile on their hearts. Those are the moments I live for. It's not all about money for me, it's about making friends and lasting customer relationships. Word of mouth is the best advertising, so give them something good to talk about.

If you ever have any questions about becoming a vendor or you just want to come visit feel free to comment or give us a call. By the way we now have an E-Newsletter. If you would like to sign up email us your email address or click here.

Part 1- My first visit to Cross Roads
Part 2- Opening a shop at Cross Roads, is it really possible?
Part 3- Putting together my shop
Part 4- I did it! You can too!

Monday, October 20, 2014

Putting together my shop

I have taken the leap and signed my contract, picked my booth, paid my fees and I'm officially a vendor at Cross Roads. Wow! Now how do I set up this blank canvas to best showcase my fused glass pendants? Each piece is unique. I don't have much money to purchase "store" type displays. What could I do?

Let's start with what I know. The space is 10 foot deep and 15 foot wide, purple sponge painted and has 2 sets of flood lights. I have permission to use an extra counter that was floating around Cross Roads. The clothing rack is also available for use. Ok, now to figure out how I want my booth to look. I had thoughts of walls of squares that each could hold one pendant on a bust, a victorian sitting room, a rustic look and a hundred others.

So many ideas and no money to create any of them. I knew I would need lots of lighting. Curio cabinets, china hutches those things have lighting in them. I needed to get the product up where people could see it. Off to Craigslist....Wow, found several pieces but they were way out of my price range. Guess that idea was a bust. I guess I just have to look at what I already have available to me. I found some small tables, an old cast iron sewing machine in a cabinet and part of a hutch. Well, it's a start. My mom offered a small Barrister bookcase and Grandma's lighted curio style cabinet. Sweet, I'm on my way. I found a table with a drawer that would fit under Grandma's cabinet and painted it black to match the cabinet. A beautiful focal point! I checked with mom to see if I could drill holes and put nails in the bookcase, I was told to go for it. So I added a couple strands of white Christmas lights. The bookcase would fit on top of the hutch base. Two displays created. My mother also offered me a jewelry armoire that would hang on the wall. I accepted her generous offer. Three displays! Things are coming together.

Ok, I'm off to a good start, but I have over 100 pendants to display. At this point I can only show about 25 of them. I need more display ideas. I have a lot of purple wall space. I know! Wearable art! Picture frames! Off to the box in the attic! It is full of old frames. I didn't even take the pictures out of them. I covered the glass with paper and glued cardboard busts to them. I did buy a few of the segmented frames at Walmart and put scrapbooking paper in them and stick on hooks. Some garland (my mom's great idea) across the back wall to hide outlet boxes. A tree decal, a couple small wall shelves, some decorative elements and we have a boutique not just a shop or booth.

When creating your booth, use the same creativity you put into your products. Your space doesn't have to look like everyone elses. It should reflect you and your products. Work with what you have. You can always add or remove display items, rearrange them or repurpose them. Make it what you want, what you love, what you feel comfortable with.

Part 4 will be my experience as a full time vendor at Cross Roads.

Part 1- My first visit to Cross Roads
Part 2- Opening a shop at Cross Roads, is it really possible?
Part 3- Putting together my shop
Part 4- I did it! You can too!

Friday, October 17, 2014

Greenstone Bakery & Pizzeria, not just a bakery

"We showcase James' baking abilities and give our visitors lots of delicious choices for their dining pleasure."- Melody

As you walk in to building 3, the aromas of fresh baked breads greet your senses. Your mouth begins to water. As you approach the counter, you will find samples of:Artisan pizzas, breads, pastries, scones, muffins from the bakery. Look to your right and you will see the fresh hand made pizza, bombers and pasta bakes. That is just what you can see. Look to the menu and you will find many other options. My favorite is Mel's Reuben sandwich. Served with chips and a side of dressing. You can even get it open faced.

Mac N' Cheese bowl. This delicious treat is a lunchtime favorite.

Homemade macaroni and cheese topped with potato chips in a fresh made bread bowl. Sure to become one of your favorite comfort foods.

Baked Goods

Featuring European style breads, scones, sourdough cinnamon rolls,

and flaky turnovers - a compliment to any meal or party tray.

They also serve salads.

A variety of salads depending on the weather. In the summer we usually have the chicken salad cold plate with cottage cheese and fresh fruit, but in the fall and winter it isn't always easy to find good fruit. I've also done chef salads and many other kinds. - Melody

Don't forget we also have Chautauqua Coffee, and

brew and wine making supplies from Dunkirk

Homebrew!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Opening a shop at Cross Roads, is it really possible? (part 2)

Part 2

The Gypsy's Trinkets @ Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market

After setting up my tent at the first Invitation Only craft show at Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market in Westfield, NY, I was hooked. I picked up all the information I could find. I checked the website. I wanted to be a permanent vendor in the worst way. I would no longer have to lug my set-up to every craft show in the county. No more tearing down in the rain, no more worrying about being cold and damp at the outdoor shows, no more worrying about my tent blowing away or displays blowing away in the wind. Yes, Cross Roads would be the perfect answer, But...........the fee's, the insurance, what if I can't make the rent? I have the NYS tax ID number. Do I have enough product? Do I have enough stuff to do a good display? I have to commit to the full season or to at least 10 market days. Oh great how can I manage all this? We are on a very fixed income. I don't want to commit to something I'm not sure I can do. I could let my family and myself down. I don't want to fail. This would be such a big leap of faith.

After running the numbers and looking at the yearly cost I couldn't see how I could do it. Plus the insurance. It seemed impossible. After talking with my daughter, who was in her senior year of high school and working, I found out she wouldn't be able to help me the way she use to. I needed to do something. My husband confessed to me that he worried about me at the outside craft shows and encouraged me to pursue a booth at Cross Roads. My mother was willing to help me with start up expenses and to help me out on Saturdays. What a wonderfully encouraging family I have. I guess it is time to buckle down and figure out what I'm going to do.

I'm going to do this! I will be a vendor beginning May 2014! I can do this! Now to get the process started. I dug through old craft show paperwork and found an application. It was folded, dog-eared & wrinkled. Think I need a new one. Off to the web I go.

I find the Contact tab dropdown menu, click on Join Cross Roads and all the info I need is there. I find the prices of booths, the link to download the application, the link to download the rules & regulations and phone numbers and email to the market manager. Sweet! First hurtle crossed. Now I need to take pictures of my jewelry to submit to the jury committee along with $50. Ok, that part was easy. Now we wait for the yea or nay. While I wait I start saving the $150 contract guarantee fee and looking for an insurance carrier. I was so surprised to find out that several local insurance companies carry vendor liability insurance policies. I assumed that $300,000 worth of liability insurance would cost a fortune, at least as much as a homeowners or auto policy. Boy was I WRONG! Did you know it is only about $150 for a 12 month policy? If you have homeowners insurance you can get a rider on your policy for vendor insurance.

Ok, so now I have a NYS tax ID, vendor insurance & my contract guarantee and I have been juried in. Sweet I am on my way. Now if only the snow would melt long enough to get in the parking lot so I can pick a spot. I think that was the longest wait of my life.

Finally in March or April 2014 I finally go to meet up with Mark and sign my contract and pick my spot. I was looking for a 10 x 10 space, that is what I was use to, but both Mark & Henry talked me into a 10 x 15 space. I am so glad they did. I was shown which booths were available in all three buildings and had my pick. I fell in love with the first one I saw. The purple sponge painted one. Even my mom was skeptical about this color scheme. Many of the vendors were hoping I would paint it. It was very purple. Several shades of purple, but it was perfect for me. The picture on the left shows you what it looked like when I first saw it. The booth had been empty last season so it had been used to store things, but once it was all cleaned out it was great. I was so excited, this was really happening. I had already been contacted by one of the other vendors offering me a hand setting up, painting, remodeling, fetching & toting. I felt accepted from the beginning. People were willing to help me. I had found the mentors I had always been looking for.

The counter you see was borrowed from Cross Roads, I had such a short time to put my booth together I was willing to use what ever was available. I wouldn't have had the time or the money to build a counter or to paint. I was seriously on a shoestring budget. Living payday to payday.

Part 1- My first visit to Cross Roads
Part 2- Opening a shop at Cross Roads, is it really possible?
Part 3- Putting together my shop
Part 4- I did it! You can too!

Friday, October 10, 2014

Worth a weekly visit. Fudge N' Stuff, homemade fudge for everyone.

Just some of the 100+ varieties of fudge.

Every Saturday from May through December I get to hear the cheerful voice of Wendy talking to any patron that walks by her Fudge & Stuff shop. She offers free samples of fudge. And you can try as many flavors as she has available. How awesome is that. Being directly across the room from her, every time I look to my left I can see fudge, fudge covered apples and fudge covered marshmallows. Good thing I'm not on a diet. Actually that wouldn't really matter, Wendy thinks of everyone, she has sucrose free fudge. A great way for dieters and diabetics to get a sweet treat.

Dave comes in to make fudge, here you see him making 1 of over 150+ recipes. On any given market day you will find, on average, 20 different "regular" flavors and 6 sucrose free flavors. Oohh, let us not forget about the flavor of the month! Every month is a special flavor. Last month they had apple pie, so nummy, and this month it is pumpkin pie and next month will be candy cane.

The best part about FudgeN' Stuff maybe their specials. If you buy 1 pound of fudge you get 1/2 pound FREE. You can pick up to 6 flavors!

If sweet and tart is what you are looking for try the fudge covered apples. $2 each or 3 for $5. A great way to get the little ones to eat an apple.

Fudge covered marshmallows are $1 each or 6 for $5.

Bavarian Glazed Nuts - peanuts, pecans, almonds & cashews $3 each, 2 for $5, 3 for $7 or 4 for $9. A great protein packed snack to help keep up your strength for the other 2 buildings.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

A New Vendor at Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market, Westfield, NY

Come meet Cindy Robison! She is the owner & designer at Shades Etc.

In 2005, Cindy took a lampshade making class in Vermont. She loved it. A friend suggested she should make shades for welcome lamps and sell them at craft shows. That started her desire to make different kinds of shades. She also took classes in Victorian handsewn shades and learned on her own how to make hardback shades.

Cindy loves all things feminine, frilly & lacey. Her shoppe at Cross Roads proves this. I stopped by on Saturday and was in love myself. It smell absolutely wonderful. I saw a variety of products. Cindy is passionate about supporting local artist/crafters and so you will find several products in the shoppe on consignment, along with their business cards and biographies.

While checking out our newest vendor I saw: a variety of lamp shades large & small, handmade bath salts, Goats Milk soaps, Victorian style note cards. All of which have been presented in a Victorian setting. This is a great addition and a unique experience.

Stop by her shop and say hello. By the way she has everything in the shoppe 15% off as a welcome gift to all who stop by. If we can make this good for her maybe she will stay and become a permanent vendor.

Monday, October 6, 2014

My First Visit to Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market Westfield, NY (part 1)

In 2012, the last time I did a "Craft Show", I accepted an invitation only set-up to the Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market in Westfield, NY. It was the 1st annual, Invitation Only Craft Show. I had know about the market for years and it is in my area, yet I had never even stopped to take a look at it. Wow! My bad! I knew I had driven past it before but I couldn't remember where it was. I had one of their flyers with a small map on it. It was a life saver. I found my way to Sherman, NY and from there followed the blue information signs along Chautauqua County road 21 (Westfield-Sherman Road). About 5 miles down the road the 3 large buildings appeared just over a small knoll. I blew right past the driveway! Thank goodness the powers that be at Cross Roads had the foresight to put in a second driveway at the other end of the large parking lot. Did you know you could park a fleet of tour buses in the parking lot and still have room? I was nervous. I thought the people would be uppity and un-friendly. Boy was I wrong! Mrs. Gerry Vacanti owner of Peaceful Designs, was the woman in charge.

She set me up just outside the door to building 2 on the edge of the paved blacktop walkway. I was very impressed by what I saw. The view was beautiful. The grounds were immaculate. The breeze was present, as always. A beautiful day. 3 buildings full of shopping. When Cross Roads first opened in 1997 all vendors were not able to sell retail. Everything they were selling was handmade. Wow. Lots of neat stuff.

Throughout the day I wandered through all the buildings, my daughter stayed with our booth. This the first time I tried Merritt Estates Winery's XTC wine. I am not a wine drinker but this stuff was good. I bought 2 bottles. As I wandered though building 3 I found jams, jellies, cheese & olives. Every kind and flavor you could want. Here is also where I found Peaceful Designs. Mrs. Vacanti was a wealth of knowledge about Cross Roads. She told me about rent fees and what was included. The difference between an occasional vendor and a permanent vendor. About the need for a NY tax ID number and liability insurance.

I was in love. If I became a vendor I would no longer have to load up my vehicle on Thursday or Friday night, get up with the chickens on Friday or Saturday and find my way to this weeks craft show location. I wouldn't have to find a place to park while I found the person in charge. I wouldn't have to look for my space, hope I could drive up to unload, unload, set-up, move my vehicle. I wouldn't have to make sure that I had the sides to my tent in case of rain. I wouldn't need to make sure I was dressed for the weather. My daughter would be graduating in a few years and I would no longer have her constant help at the craft shows. She did a lot of fetching and toting for me. Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market seemed like a dream come true.

Part 1- My first visit to Cross Roads

Part 2- Opening a shop at Cross Roads, is it really possible?

Part 3- Putting together my shop

Part 4- I did it! You can too!

Sunday, October 5, 2014

All-American Chili Cook-Off

16th Annul Chili Cook-Off

Once again it is time for the Annul Chili cook-off at the Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market. Hooray!! It is being held on Saturday October 11, 2014 from 11 am - 4 pm. As in years past the proceeds will benefit the NY Chapter 4 Blue Star Mothers.

We will be featuring some of the area's finest hot, medium, mild and vegetarian chili. Prizes will be awarded in three classes; Restaurant, Service Organization and People's Choice.

Quoted from the Blue Star Mothers Facebook page;

Get your cookbooks dusted off! It's time for the CHILI COOK-OFF at Crossroads! Plan on entering your favorite chili or just coming to taste the yummy entries on Saturday, October 11 from 11-4. There will be prizes and a silent auction - and all of the proceeds go to our Christmas care packages. See you there!

A great way to help our troops, shop, eat and meet friends new & old. Hope to see you there. Spread the word. Invite your friends.

Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market is open every Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Tater Topper is BACK!!!

Spice Harbor has a new shipment of Tater Topper!!!

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Notes of Thanks

Some notes of thanks from fundraising organizations

From Jana McDermott, Executive Director, Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County:

"We were so pleasantly surprised by all the support CAP received on behalf of child victims of abuse. Your donations & 50/50 proceeds will be used to continue to keep children safe in Chautauqua County.We invite you for a tour of CAP anytime you are in the Jamestown office vicinity. Please call to arrange (716)338-9844 - Many thanks, Jana"

This fundraiser was held on Saturday, June 23, 2014

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From Polla Milligan, Grant Writer & Food Drive Coordinator, The Food Bank of Western New York:

"Once again, you have outdone yourselves! This year's Cruise Against Hunger raised $1,900 and 292 pound of food. (This translates to the distribution of 8,160 meals) Through your diligent hard work, you managed to make it an even more awesome event than last year's.
All of this donation will be dedicated to the Food Bank's Program entitled Partners Fighting Hunger in Chautauqua County. We have 47 charitable member agencies scattered throughout your county, providing assistance to 12,936 individuals.

You can feel very good about the part you have played in aiding us with this endeavor over the past several years. The only reason we are able to accomplish our work is because of groups like yours, partnering up with us."

This Fundraiser was held Saturday, August 9, 2014

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From Pamela Herdeman, a 47-year-old single mom who was diagnosed with TNBC (triple negative breast cancer) in December of 2013:

"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped out with the chicken barbecue at Cross Roads. Your help meant a lot to me! Special thanks to: Jim, Mel & Dax; Hunter, Jeremy, Ronnie & Bailey; Stan Harris, Bob Macintosh, Jim Harris, Gloria Mulson; all the vendors and a special thanks to you Blanche!

Thank you! Pam & Ty"

This Fundraiser was held Saturday, August 23, 2014

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Youth Soccer & Safety ID Program

Yesterday Cross Roads hosted the opening day of the Westfield Recreation Department’s Fall Soccer season.

Youth soccer players in the 4-5 year old age bracket and those in the 6-8 year group faced off in the fields surrounding the Market. The children played games hourly beginning at 10 a.m. Folks who wanted to watch some fun peewee soccer action and cheer on the kids were invited to visit Cross Roads, bring a lawn chair, and enjoy the beauty of Cross Roads rolling hills and scenery. So much fun to watch. Not sure the kids even noticed the wet field or the light sprinkles of rain.

Wendy, the owner of Fudge & Stuff, had $1 ice cream cones for any child wearing their soccer jerseys during the event. Victoria, of Lornaments, offered face painting to children and adults alike. George, the owner of Maple Country USA, as always had his delicious spun maple sugar candy.

Stephanie, owner of Gypsy's Trinkets, arranged for the Masons to come up and conduct a Child Identification Program (CHIP). Many parents took advantage of this service. The CHIP programs allow parents the opportunity to create a kit of identifying materials for their child, free of charge. The kit contained a fingerprint card, a physical description, a video, computer disk or DVD of the child, a dental imprint, and a DNA sample. The purpose of the kit is to provide critical information to the public and to law enforcement in the event that a child goes missing. The program has been lauded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The DVD, besides capturing appearance and voice, includes questions tailored toward the child's age group and can assist in finding children who might be missing for other reasons besides abduction. It also contained coloring pages to teach children about safety. The information cards are compatible the NYS Amber Alert system.

The NY Masonic Safety ID (MSID) Program now encompasses ids for students, college students, elderly or disabled persons, anyone who might go missing.

Quoted from the NY Mason's website

The first several hours after a child, elderly, or disabled person is reported missing can be critical to the successful outcome of the case. Having valuable information about the Child (missing person) ready and at hand for Law enforcement agencies is imperative. The MSID's FREE Program is designed to help parents with having this information ready and available when needed

Such a wonderful program. You can check their Safety ID Events here. You might find one in your neighborhood.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Welcome To Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market in Westfield, NY

Historic Spot

Overlooking two valleys:

The first settlement in what is now Chautauqua County, New York, was the "Cross Roads" along the portage trail between Lakes Chautauqua and Erie. We're atop a steep escarpment that divides two watersheds and offers breathtaking views. What was just a fallow hilltop field in 1995 has become a thriving shopping community. Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market is a Co-op of over twenty five member-owned shops.

Featuring over 22,000 square feet of entertaining sights and smells only found here. At Cross Roads, discover exceptional values in a unique market ambiance and support local farmers, craftsman and artisans.

Never go hungry! Enjoy fresh bakery goods, mouthwatering breakfasts, lunches and dinners, organic and seasonal local produce. Peruse our variety of bulk candy, sensational spices, coffees, cheeses and maple products. Relax over a wine tasting at one of our wineries, or get the supplies to make your own beer at home.

We feature collectibles, miniatures, Amish-made furniture, and hand-built pottery. Looking for unique jewelry, cutlery, tole, or hand-sewn pieces? We've got you covered!

Cross Roads - the jewel of Chautauqua County. Come and see why.