Depasquale Enterprises hosted its 3rd annual Christmas in October Village craft fair on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The free event featured handmade items by local artisans. Over 100 vendors were in attendance, selling everything from artwork and photography to jewelry, home decor, wood crafts, and gourmet foods, each one with a story to tell.

Michael Depasquale of Depasquale Enterprises has been organizing this fair since its inception. He started his company over 40 years ago, with one event, and the business grew from there. His company now plans craft fairs, festivals and art shows all over Long Island.

"This is our third year planning the fair for the Smithtown Historical Society. After COVID, people were anxious for something to do, so we started this event with a small number of vendors and it just keeps going," Mr. Depasquale said.

Discussing what makes this particular event special, he explained that he loves its vendors because they put so much passion into "what they do."

"They are truly the heart and soul of our business. Customers are very supportive of us, and we [always encourage them] to shop locally," he continued.

Working this popular fair means a great deal to its vendors for a number of reasons.

Mary Weisberg, owner of From the Heart, has been making and selling her copper jewelry for over 10 years at local craft fairs. She says she draws inspiration from her faith, and that all of her designs are anointed with "love, prayer and intention."

"The biggest compliment I can get is people telling me how much they love my work," Weisburg said.

Claudio DiPietri, one of the fair's exuberant vendors, came from Astoria to be part of this special event.

DiPietri, who runs Wood Works by Claudio, was in the restaurant business for 40 years before he was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Having to undergo treatment, DiPietri was not able to go back to running his family's business, which resulted in the closing of the restaurant.

"After spending so much time away from my family over the years, I wanted something that would keep me home with them, so I told my wife I was going to start working with wood," he explained.

"And here I am five years later."

One booth owner, Jim Smalls, lost his job after the COVID-19 pandemic, and was forced to reinvent himself to make a living. Smalls was the general manager of Sam Ash Music prior to the pandemic, but now spends his time painting and selling scenic landscape designs he creates from old tree stumps.

"I've never been happier," Smalls said.

This fair's quirky and festive feel is the reason it draws crowds from not only Smithtown, but all over the Island.

Mary Ellen Fonti of Port Jeff Station said she loves coming to the fair because "it is a true craft fair. They're not selling store-bought knick knacks. They're selling real, homemade items."

Many attendees were avid crafters themselves. Maria of Farmingville shared that she enjoys making crafts and wanted to see what other crafters "were up to," while friends Kathy Murdocco and Lydia Lehman were there simply to enjoy the "beautiful day" and the lively atmosphere.

For more information on upcoming events at The Smithtown Historical Society, visit their website at www.smithtownhistorical.org.