Feature photo by Matthew Olson
Story by Matthew Olson
The historic Oaklands Mansion hosted their inaugural Fall Craft Fair Saturday, drawing DIYers out from all corners of Murfreesboro.
The event was open to the public and invited guests to shop at local food trucks and vendors on the front lawn of the Oaklands Mansion, which was once caught in the crossfires of the Civil War. The event also opened the doors of the Mansion itself for visitors to enjoy a free self-guided tour.
On top of hosting vendors, the event organizers provided a scavenger hunt, a silent auction and live music, as well as gift bags for the first 100 guests to arrive at the fair.
The gift bags were all handed out well within the first hour, tour guide Harrison Pearson said. Pearson kept track of guests using a handheld tally counter, and the mansion held over 1,300 people throughout the day.
Music by The Branums and Alex Jordan on the mansion’s front porch lifted the crowd and provided a tranquil afternoon soundtrack for their crafting endeavors. Visitors also enjoyed food from Murfreesboro food trucks, and local cocktail bar Wall Street had a bartending booth for adult visitors.
Tina Madden and Linda Austin’s local business, Harvest Moon, doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar building, so the craft fair is the perfect environment to sell their crystals and jewelry.
“It’s our first time coming to an Oaklands event, and it’s been really great,” Madden said. “[We’re] really happy with the crowds. It was a beautiful day, lots of variety. [We] really enjoyed it.”
Adelinn Mayberry, accompanied by her son James Mayberry, enjoyed the event from her booth for her business Just Soaps Y’all, a local small business that makes small-batch soaps and body products. Her pure-ingredient products range from cologne to soap formulated for dogs.
“It’s very beautiful out here,” Mayberry said. “Come on out and enjoy it.”
Oaklands Mansion will continue to invite guests for fall festivities, including the 10th Annual Oktoberfest on Sept. 28.
Matthew Olson is a Reporter for MTSU Sidelines
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