We knew it was going to be a big one as soon as the forecast firmed up. With sapphire skies and summer temps on the way, we made preparations and contingency plans for a huge crowd.

But even then, the 36th Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival exceeded all expectations and stretched the seams of our little site. A record 5,500 attendees came to see a record 143 artists -- what a show it was, 10% larger than any we’ve ever had! We’re still tallying the revenues and expenses of this largest fundraiser of the year, but already we know that you helped us raise more than $110,000 in one weekend. This vital support will continue to expand the Wells Reserve’s science, education, conservation, and preservation programs in 2025. By the next Crafts Festival, you’ll see more site improvements, new programs, and some surprises too, we promise. Thank you.

It's such a thrill to put this show on every year, to work on it for months and see it grow and evolve over time. There's nothing quite like bringing thousands of people together to support the arts and nature, wonderfully presented against the stunning backdrop of the Wells Reserve’s Laudholm campus. To the visitors, artists, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and staff that made the show such a grand success, I extend my deepest thanks and admiration. Putting up an annual spectacle feels like a family affair, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

On the quiet ride home on Sunday evening, I thought about the hugs exchanged, the promises to reunite, the smiles and laughter that abounded. There are longer term effects of the spirit and joy shared by the Crafts Festival's visitors, artisans, and volunteers. The Wells Reserve knows that the way to meet the challenges of the future is to build stronger communities today. The bonhomie and kindliness that arise from a group of artists and volunteers coming together once a year to showcase the creativity of humanity feels formidable. We see similar strong bonds arise in our yoga classes, winter cribbage nights, citizen science efforts, gardening projects, and among our weekly volunteers. These pop-up communities are weaving fabric that will hold together in even the strongest storms. Our changing world needs more of that, I say. I know this friendly neighborhood national estuarine research reserve will always cherish and cultivate these homespun efforts; a look at our calendar reassures me that there’s so much more to come.

Cheers,

Nik Charov

President, Laudholm Trust