Nearly 30 Antrim businesses will take part in the Antrim Business Fair Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Great Brook Middle School gym.

The fair, which is the first of its kind in Antrim,  was organized by the Antrim Community Board.

“This is first Antrim Community Board event for 2025. Our mission is to provide support for  groups and organizations doing things in town, provide information and resources and find volunteers to help with events and projects in town,” said Helene Newbold of the Antrim Community Board. “We’ll have vendors, merchandise, kids’ games, food, live music, and a whole bunch of businesses in town will be represented. We encourage everyone to come down and check out what their local businesses have to offer.” 

Live music will be provided by Antrim-based performers Silent Woods Collective and Heartspur Sound. The Great Brook student leadership council will organize childrens’ games and activities. 

“There is just so much talent and so many great businesses out there in our community, and the point is for everyone to connect with what we have right here in Antrim,” Newbold said. “There’s a perception that you need to leave the region to find things, but you can find almost anything you need right here in our area. The range of businesses tucked away is truly amazing.” 

The Antrim Grange will be selling food donated by Rick & Diane’s Brick Over Pizzeria, as well as baked goods and beverages. Proceeds will benefit the Antrim Grange. 

“When we started researching how many businesses are registered in Antrim, we were surprised,” said Newbold. “There are about 200 businesses registered in Antrim.” 

The Antrim Community Board  made over 150 phone calls to business owners about participating in the fair, and registrations are still coming.

“We have a real mix of businesses all sizes and types. Our goal is to connect businesses with the community and to enable people to make connections,” Newbold said. 

Businesses at the fair will include Antrim Ace Hardware, Mike’s Towing and Battaglia Foundations, as well as many smaller, home-based businesses. Services represented include equine services, painting, professional cleaning, antique book valuation, carpentry, mobile notary, therapy dog services and construction. Local vendors will be offering blown glass, soaps, wood products, used clothing,  blueberry products, woolen items and more.

Newbold said creating a community business directory is one of the ACB’s goals.

“The ACB is about connecting people with the assets in our community – the people, the organizations, the resources--and caring for people,” Newbold said.

Originally, the ACB had planned to hold the fair in June, but when members of the group started speaking to business owners, the business owners suggested January.

“We’re not competing with as many events this time of year, and it’s a little slow for everyone,” Newbold said. 

One business run by an Antrim resident, the Moka Pot, was formerly situated in Antrim but since moved to Manchester. 

“We’re very excited to have them back,” Newbold said. “We really have some many different types of businesses, I think people will be very surprised. We have a gentleman who does some kind of geo-sciences equipment and he is bringing his equipment, things like that. It really going to be interesting.” 

Businesses who would like to participate should send email to antrimbusinessfair@ gmail.com or call 808-378-0331, which  is a Google number.