MINT HILL, NC – On Saturday, October 15, crowds spent a beautiful autumn morning strolling through Mint Hill’s historical village for the first annual Autumn Jubilee.
Although it was billed as the “first annual” event of its name, similar events have taken place in the Historical Village in the past. The last Autumn Jubilee took place in 2017, and there was a popular “Christmas in the Village” event held in November of 2020. “We figured with the growth of Mint Hill, it was time to bring it back!” said a Farmer’s Market representative.
Organized by the Mint Hill Farmer’s Market, the Autumn Jubilee welcomed over 50 vendors to the historical village. All items sold at the event had to be home grown or homemade.
Several of the vendors present at the Autumn Jubilee were regulars at the Mint Hill Farmers Market, like Giselle Simms with Night Glaring Sensation, LLC. Mint Hill native Simms has been selling candles, soaps, scrubs, body washes and lip balms for about three years. Already making soaps for years, Simms actually discovered the Farmers Market by accident. “I just happened to run into this place one day while me and my husband were working out,” she said. After checking it out, her husband encouraged her to sell her 100% soy candles there. Simms plans to return to the Historical Village for the Christmas in the Village.
The Autumn Jubilee also drew new vendors to the Historical Village. “We’re just two friends who have spent time together crafting!” said Rebekah Lonon from The Old Homeplace. “This is our very first show! We’ve just been making things to give to family and friends, and we thought if they liked it, maybe someone else will too.” Lonon and her co-creator Shawn Johnston named their shop “The Old Homeplace” because, the way they see it, they make things they use in their homes – scrubs, jams and jellies, and decorative art, to name a few. Lonon and Johnston also plan to return for Christmas in the Village.
The day also featured live music and demonstrations, like the opportunity to watch pottery and quilting happen in action. Volunteers from Shiloh Truelight Church were on site finishing depression-era quilt tops that were donated to the Historical Society. “They’re made from flour-sack and feed-sack fabric,” explained Denise, pointing out barely noticeable seams indicating where miniscule scraps had been pieced together. “You didn’t waste anything. This is all hand-pieced, and everything is perfectly matched. The workmanship on piecing these tops is just incredible.”
There were also plenty of activities for kids including pumpkin painting and panning for gold. One popular attraction that drew long lines of eager children was the particularly talented ballon artist. “What a fun event!” said mom of two Christine Schlub. “The balloon artist was incredible. I’ve never seen balloon work like that!”
Whether you missed the Autumn Jubilee or loved it, you’ll definitely want to mark your calendar for Christmas in the Village! On November 12 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, the Historical Society will for the second time host a Christmas Marketplace featuring over 40 artists, makers and artisans. There will be handcrafted items, baked goods, one-of-a-kind treasures, food trucks, and entertainment!
