Summerfest 2012 draws diversity of artisans to Lake George

“Cut hot bread without squishing and bagels without killing yourself!” That is the promise of the Adirondack Bow Knife. Woodworker Duane Wetmore is eager to demonstrate, on a soft loaf of bread or a ripe tomato, the veracity of this claim. Wetmore is one of several dozen crafters selling in Shepard Park this weekend for Lake George Summerfest.

Summerfest opened Friday, June 22, with a steady stream of shoppers examining the jewelry, home furnishings, toys, and other handcrafted items along with artwork and food items; kettle corn, fudge and roasted almonds were among the edibles available.

Local musician Phil Camp performed on the stage, providing a sound track to the event.

Toymaker to the Kings  Sir Wayne Deyo demonstrated his wooden mini-marshmallow shooter by firing on unsuspecting people passing his tent, though none seemed to notice they had been hit. Deyo’s medieval themed creations include wooden castles and a fleet of boats that really float. His wife Debra, a retired art teacher, creates stoneware dragons that presumably can be battled with flying marshmallows.

Julia DeMaranville had a colorful display of Russian nesting dolls, Faberge Eggs and lacquered boxes. DeMaranville’s business From Russia with Love was formally housed on Canada Street but she says she closed the shop last fall and now focuses solely on craft shows. Som Clark made the two and half hour drive up from Connecticut to sell her personalized macramé name bracelets.

Jeweler Linda O’Neil of Warrensburg brought a unique collection of silver and gemstone jewelry to the show. O’Neil says her main focus is polished stone pendants. She purchases small slabs of stone, identifies pictures in the swirls of minerals, then cuts, polishes and sets in silver to create unique pendants.

Summerfest continues in Shepard Park on Canada Street through Sunday, June 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. There is no admission charge. Metered parking is available on the Village streets.