The second Milton Fall Market & Craft Fair was a happy success, according to the more than 2,000 smiling faces that were milling on the grounds at The Gathering at Milton, a historic event venue, Saturday, Oct. 12. A cool morning gave way to a glorious afternoon of brilliant blue skies, sunshine and a steady crowd of visitors of all ages throughout the day.

Phillip and Alanna Vaught, organizers of the craft fair, were on the grounds before sunrise and personally greeted many of those coming through the gates.

It marked the first anniversary of the craft fair, which drew people regionwide.

“This is the first time I have come to the craft fair and Phillip and Alanna (Vaught) have done an amazing job of putting it together,” said Ruth Taylor. It takes a lot of work to make this happen and you can tell they are organized and thought through the details. I was impressed with the high quality and creativity of the items that were available in the different booths.”

Ken Gunnell of Sparta, Tennessee, had the eye-catching booth Sherwood Forest Wood Turning & fine Art that captured Best of Show honors with his stunning bowls and other creations.

Pat Whitaker of Lascassas, Tennessee, won the drawing for a free rental of the building, a former 120-year-old country store the Vaughts bought and restored in 2018.

The 2019 event saw The Gathering release its first promotional video, which had attracted more than 3,000 views by the start of the fall festival.

“It seems almost like yesterday when we had the first event, celebrating the opening of The Gathering at Milton after those long months of restoration. It has been a good year,” Alanna Vaught said. “Phillip and I are so pleased and humbled people returned and enjoyed the second Fall Market & Craft Fair. Words can’t capture the depth of our gratitude. We could not do this without the support of the vendors, community, family and volunteers.”

The Vaughts announced the third annual Milton Fall Market & Craft Fair is set for Oct. 10, 2020, at The Gathering at Milton, 12026 Milton St.

Photo: The colorful pumpkin patch at the Second Milton Fall Market & Craft Fair Saturday, Oct. 12, was a popular stop for all ages.