It has been just over a month since Essex Day 2014, and we thought it’s a good time to record the details of this year’s event and begin looking forward to the next. We didn’t have much of a chance to extensively wander or take photos as we were manning our own table behind the Town Hall (our second time participating in Downtown Essex Day!), so while I share my experience we hope you’ll chip in with your own in the comments.

This year the weather cooperated and although rain threatened toward the end of the day it never actually fell and we had a nice, sunny day until 4:00 pm when the event ended. I enjoyed seeing the lush community garden boxes flourishing behind Town Hall near our booth.

I’m not sure how many shoppers and browsers attended Essex Day this year, but it was busy, busy, busy. Can anyone hazard a guess as to the numbers out on the streets that day?

The multitude of vendors offered a variety of items for sale. Of course at our booth we were promoting this website, and we encouraged people to create “Essex Doodles” in the Essex blog sketchbooks. We also had a few items for sale including the beta version of Doodle Essex, New York Architecture. If you purchased one of our books please let us know what you think of it! We’ll try to integrate your feedback into the next release.

Right across from our booth was Reber Rock Farm selling local farm goods, and other vendors near us and on Main Street sold an assortment of crafts, jewelry, collectibles, antiques, local artwork, and more. What did I miss? Perhaps you’d like to share the story of a particular purchase you made that day? Or a certain booth you enjoyed browsing the most?

There were several options for lunch open on Essex Day and attendees could have a meal at Chez Lin & Rays, the Old Dock Restaurant, Pink Pig, or the Essex Ice Cream Cafe.  I managed to leave our booth for a moment to run to the Cafe for a beautiful (and tasty) take-out salad and a milkshake. I regret not getting a photo of the cute box the salad came in—you’ll have to stop by and have one yourself to see!

There were also other snack options available. The Essex Community Church served some cookies, berries, and other refreshments. I saw many wandering with cups full of berries and of course had to inquire about where to find them, although I never did get my own. On the steps of the Masonic Lodge lemonade, pies, and other snacks were on offer. St. John’s was open to passersby offering coffee and homemade goodies. And the Methodist Women set up a hot dog and soft drink stand.

Two port-a-potties were brought in this year to help with the limited number of public bathrooms. One was placed behind Town Hall and the other was at Beggs Park. I’m sure it was an added amenity that many appreciated.

Did any of you get the chance to listen to local blues musician Joan Crane? I heard she was playing down on Main Street by the Post Office, but I didn’t get a chance to wander down that way.

Share your Essex Day experiences in the comments below! Also share your hopes for next year! Or if you have Essex Day photos you’d like to share email us at editor@www.essexonlakechamplain.com and we can add them to this post.

Related articles

• Downtown Essex Day to be Held on August 2 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Doodle Essex, New York Architecture: Beta Edition Launched 8/2 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Essex Doodles Weekly: We Want You to Doodle Essex! (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Essex Community Garden (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)