Traveling the region selling beef jerky is turning into a fine retirement for Greg and Gayle Tompkins.
The husband and wife take Ohio-based Tommy’s Jerky to fairs and food festivals, including the 28th annual Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Labor Day Festival, taking place through Monday at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds in Mt. Pleasant Township.
Tompkins was busy handing out samples Friday, and one of his banners in particular seemed to catch peoples’ eyes — the bright green one that says “Wild Dill Beef Jerky.”
“We wanted to do Picklesburgh,” he said. “So we went to my friend and his partner, and they developed a recipe for dill pickle beef jerky. We did Picklesburgh in 2019, and we just did it again three weeks ago. It was one of our best events ever.”
Now, they sell Wild Dill Pickle Jerky year-round.
Nearby, Danielle Rafferty of Greensburg was handing out business cards for her flower-arranging business, A Pretty Flower.
“I take my wagon to pop-ups like the night market in Greensburg and farmers’ markets,” said Rafferty, who sources her flowers locally from farms in Norvelt, Latrobe and Valencia.
She’s only had the business since April, but she said the summer has kept her busy and prospects are good for fall.
“I have two weddings for October, as well as a bridal shower scheduled,” she said.
And speaking of spooky season, Virginia resident Stan Moye was selling one of the most unique crafts at the fair: jack-o’-lanterns made from old propane tanks. Some were painted orange, but the spookiest were the older, well-rusted tanks, left unpainted with jagged teeth.
“We actually try to rust them more, because people always want the rusted ones,” said Moye, owner of Stan’s Yard Art. “It sounds strange, but I don’t think they look as good when they’re painted.”
Moye said he also has kept busy during the past year, with things picking up as the weather warmed.
In addition to crafts and food, the weekend festival will include a performance by the Penn Trafford Community Band on Saturday and the Scottdale Concert Band on Sunday.
There also will be barrel train rides for children through Monday, and the Rollin’ W Petting Zoo on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $6.50, $6 for 65 and older, $3 for ages 12-15, and free for age 12 and younger.
The fairgrounds are at 123 Blue Ribbon Lane in Mt. Pleasant Township.
Click here to purchase advance tickets online.
