The rising sun broke the horizon in an awe-inspiring display. Spectacular harvest-time hues burst forth through the blue-gray with permeating burnt orange, stark yellow, and magenta. The Creator’s canvas had been blessed.

This was the day of Deer Haven Park’s annual Fall Festival & Craft Fair. Staff and volunteers began arriving as the dawn’s light accentuated trees behind the Visitor Center whose vestment change hinted at a kaleidoscope of multicolor.

A brown whitetail buck grazed, soon joined by a stunning white doe. Perhaps they were courting? For now, merely partaking in a morning bite, lush protein grasses dangling from inquisitive faces, ears twitching to and fro. Could they sense the hovering excitement?

Nearly 30 artisans from around the state began arriving to set up their wares. Wineries and distilleries readied to accommodate tastings, and Big Awesome BBQ prepared to curb that nasty hunger bug, which was inevitable as visitors partook in the park’s discounted bus and wagon tours.

DHP’s gift........

© Finger Lakes Times