BARRY’S BAY – There were 18 vendors at the 34th Madawaska Valley Artisan Festival on Saturday outside the Railway Station in Barry’s Bay. Volunteers Kelly Klinck and Sue Klatt organized the event, which was confirmed in early June. While there were some vendors who could not attend because of the late notice, there were enough vendors to fill the park. Klatt said during Madawaska Valley Township budget deliberations sufficient funds were set aside to ensure the event could take place. Two township summer students staffed the Railway Station offering lemonade and travel advice. Mike Desrochers, who is a blacksmith and a regular vendor at the festival, was grateful to see the event rescued. He stressed how important it is to maintain continuity. There are so many artistic events, artisans quickly go elsewhere if there is uncertainty surrounding a festival like this, Desrochers said. He came to the festival with his metal artwork to show support for the organization. There were a couple of skill demonstrations on display at the festival. Stephanie Keon and Bil Smith of Killaloe Woolgathering demonstrated wool spinning. The group meets every few months and speakers on topics like wool dyeing. Amarita Zadra-Brotton gave another demonstration. She showed visitors her acrylic paint pouring, a technique that she is newly exploring. To read the full story, pick up a copy of the July 18 paper.