Oh Boy! Andes Bustling with Activity

By Robert Brune

ANDES — Wayside Cider owner Brian Early was thrilled to welcome 47 vendors to Andes this past weekend. With the ebb and flow of businesses throughout Delaware County since the Covid shutdowns, the surgency of new opportunities for the myriads of people bringing jobs to the area were on display alongside folks that have developed their crafts for generations.

Early comments on the Oh Boy! Market and Fare experience, “It was a big success. I have to give all the credit to the artists, crafts-folks, collectors, musicians, and food and wine makers. Their hard work and dedication to craft is what made this such a quality market. All of the vendors (-2) live and work right here in the Catskills. Each and every vendor worked their tails off to bring the community this event.”

This event drew over 1,000 visitors to Andes on Saturday with more on Sunday, despite these hot days of this summer. Early expressed his joy, “I couldn’t be happier about the turnout but, more importantly, the vendors who are hardworking artists, cooks, retailers, and small businesses had the opportunity to kick some butt and they did just that. They were here to share their work with our incredible Catskills community.” It was said that several of the vendors had such a successful Saturday that they ran out of product by the end of their first day of the weekend exceeding expectations.

Anna owner of Oda Wine Garden (Margaretville) and resident of Andes since 2018, “Kudos to Wayside Cider and Brian (Early). We got a chance to reconnect with our regulars in a fun environment and meet new people who became curious about our wines. And we had a line for our Balkan grill which was a really nice boost to our confidence trying something new for the first time (In participating in the Oh Boy Market).”

Sky from Rabbit Boy Vintage (Delhi) who brought her amazing collection of vintage clothing, “As makers and artists at the market, you’re out there together unveiling something that you’ve worked hard on, showcasing a piece of yourself in a way – And Brian, who put this on and saw through the adorable marketing and little details you might not consider, like having WiFi in the field, I think the market itself was his art. It’s just a tangible thing when someone really cares about what they’re doing.”

Hawk + Hive owner Jayne Parker said that "It was a pleasure to take part in the event. The organizers did a fantastic job in the planning and promotion. It can be a struggle for small business in our little town and this type of gathering gives a much needed boost that enables us to keep operating through the quiet times."

As far as complaints about the parking situation from locals who aren’t used to such an increase in traffic, Early expressed trust and love for the community of Andes. With the summer upon all our communities, such as the Margaretville carnival and Franklin/Treadwell Stage Coach art event through this past weekend, the calm has now been restored. It’s all for the better that so many local businesses had the chance to engage with the public to make Delaware County more vibrant economically. Early plans on doing another market November 30th – December 1st which will enable folks to do some holiday shopping, as well.