The 5th Annual Whimsy Market Fall Festival was held at Sunsational Farms in Umatilla this past Saturday, as community members of all ages to came to celebrate this annual tradition. The cool, misty weather created the perfect atmosphere for the autumn event as dozens of vendors participated, showcased their wares and prepared great food and beverages for the gathering.

Erica Rew and Nikki Anderson of Whimsy Market were thrilled to see the festival thrive in its 5th year.

“The crowd was absolutely amazing!” Nikki says. “We were blown away by how many people came out to support our Annual Fall Festival. The energy and excitement throughout the day made it such a special event.”

Style Magazine partnered with Whimsy and multiple pet adoption agencies to bring awareness to pets who need forever homes. These included A Forever Home Rescue, Humane Society of Lake County and Humane Society of Sumter County.

Many of the dogs mingled with the crowd in hopes of finding pet parents, and the festival was a great way to bring attention to the shelters and what they do.

Style publisher Kendra Akers was there to support the effort.

“Helping animals find a forever home has been a passion of mine for a long time, so if there is anything we can do to bring awareness to the wonderful work these organizations do, I’m all for it,” she says.

Hoffmeyer Animal Rescue was also on hand with kittens for adoption, and two of them were scooped up and rescued by a local family.

There were plenty of activities for kids, including multiple bounce houses, carnival games and pony rides. Hunt’s Exotic Animals also brought a variety of fascinating creatures, including a camera-shy Bennett’s wallaby named Sydney.

Next Up Entertainment provided the music and Alison Law took photos.

The makers and vendors ranged from knitted crafts, apparel and crystals to delicious foods from a variety of cuisines, including Amish pretzels, cotton candy and pickles. Karie Herring brought her Oviedo Olive Oil and said the festival has been a blessing to her business.

“We love Whimsy Market because it gives us the chance to meet the public and connect with other vendors, helping grow our community,” Karie says.

Sadie Cunningham, the wunderkind who has been selling her gnocchi and pasta since she was nine, loves coming to the festival.

“This is really fun and a great way for people to take my pasta home and try it for themselves,” she says.

Erica says the community of vendors makes the events a continual success.

“Our giveaway basket was worth over $800, the biggest one yet, filled with incredible items generously donated by our vendors,” she says. “It’s such a great example of how this community of small businesses always comes together to make our events so special.”

Photos by Gina Horan & Nicole Hamel