Regional Industry & News

Queer Arts Fest expands to two days at Millstone Hill

WEBSTERVILLE, Vt. (WCAX) - Queer Arts Fest returned to Millstone Hill this weekend as a two-day event, celebrating queer artists and crafters from across Vermont.

Organizer Dana Dwinell-Yardley said the festival grew out of a need for community among queer people in rural Vermont.

“I think it’s really important that we make spaces in rural areas to celebrate being rural and queer specifically – there are a ton of us,” Dwinell-Yardley said.

The event began as what organizers expected to be a small craft fair for local artisans. When more than 50 vendor applications came in, organizers said they recognized the potential for something larger.

“The need was there for a queer-centered space where artists could feel like real artists in a way that, in the big wide world, sometimes you feel marginalized as a queer person,” Dwinell-Yardley said.

This year’s expansion to two days drew more than 4,000 attendees on Saturday alone, with more than 100 vendors on site. West Danville artist Hill Savage said the added day made a difference.

“It’s been a nice chance to, you know, vend one day and be in that mode, and then share more collaboratively, hands-on stuff the second day, and see what other people are doing, and just have a little chill time,” Savage said.

Sunday’s programming shifted toward education and community building, featuring craft swaps, lectures, collaborative artwork, and interactive performances.

“We’re trying for the first time a new thing on Sunday that’s really focused around participation and learning and making connections with people,” Dwinell-Yardley said.

Organizers said a winter festival is planned for mid-December.