The 14th Annual Barrington Country Garden and Antique Faire was a wonderful two day event on June 13th and 14th, 2014. In the history of the faire Hands of Hope has raised nearly $4 million dollars by attendees and donors. Hands of Hope is a 100% volunteer-run organization, and the funds go to improving the lives of the impoverished in Africa. The organization focuses on improving agriculture, water supply, as well as ensuring access to health care and education.

Hands For Hope Garden Faire

The Garden's Faire's French Market showcased about 20 outside vendors, and the Farmhouse was staged with unique furniture. In the cottage they featured jewelry, purses, and other home and fashion accessories.

My favorite part of the Faire was the beautifully decorated gardens with different vignettes.

Celeste Jackson designed a “Herb-Inspired Bridal Shower for Juliette” by the main pool; Michelle D"Arcy of Horticultural Associates staged a "Midsummer's Dream" in the garden; Lori Lennon transformed the main garden's gazebo with an amazing display called Crystal Garden Elegance; Toms-Price developed a French-themed “Salle de Soliel”; and Event planner Christina Currie Events created an Enchanted Garden Wedding Vignette in the greenhouse that was absolutely dreamy with orchids and a crystal chandelier.

Michelle D'Arcy Horticultural Associates

Another feature was the wonderful workshops.

“Floral Inspiration” with Glen Egeland, Barrington Flower Shop:
Glen Egeland, owner of Barrington Flower Shop, shared his expertise and advice on how to use personal inspiration to create your own fabulous floral arrangements.

“Rescue, Restore, Redecorate with Style” with Debra Phillips, SG Geneva (aka Scentimental Gardens):
Debra Phillips, Master Gardener and owner of SG Geneva, taught attendees how to transform old, outdated furniture, lighting, mirrors and accessories into upscale design elements by using the Amy Howard at Home One Step Paint process – no stripping, no sanding, no priming – just beautiful new home décor to grace your home!

“Summer Salad Surprises” with Kelly Donlea, Organizing Dinner:
Kelly Donlea, chef, author and owner of Organizing Dinner, hosted demonstrations incorporating a variety of summer garden vegetables into deliciously easy salads to sample and savor.

“Take a Walk on the Wild Side” with Ron Zick, Wild Birds Unlimited:
Join Ron Zick, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, on a behind-the-scenes tour to explore the special wild bird habitat of the English Garden property.

The Faire was an amazing two day event that goes towards a great cause. If you would like more information about the Hands for Hope organization, click here.

I recently had the opportunity to meet Vicki Wauterlek, the founder of a non-profit organization Hands of Hope. Hands of Hope has its annual Barrington Country Garden and Antique Faire June 13th and 14th, 2014, which helps raise funds to help families in Africa.

A little about Hands of Hope:

"Hands of Hope is breaking the cycle of poverty through our efforts to bring opportunity to the people of Africa. We focus our attention and resources in the key areas of agriculture, economic development, education, health care and water. Our initiatives include:

Giving poor rural families training and credit opportunities to start businesses such as poultry farming, poultry feed production and bio fuel crops;
Establishing market infrastructures to ensure that farm families receive fair market prices for their crops;
Supporting education for impoverished children;
Providing wells to supply clean drinking water;
Developing irrigation systems to ensure crop sustainability through long periods of drought and to increase crop cycle productivity;
Addressing critical medical needs through the building and support of clinics."

Barrington Country Garden and Antique Faire

I was able to visit the Garden and Antique Faire today, and the grounds are absolutely stunning! I am looking forward to viewing the grounds on June 13th and 14th with all the wonderful vendors and fully decorated gardens. Guests will be able to browse the farmhouse, guesthouse, stables and tents surrounded by a ten-acre garden estate. Today, I was able to take photographs of some of the special treasures which will be available for purchase. They have so many items ranging from furniture, china, collectibles, antiques and more.

This is an event you and your friends will not want to miss. To purchase tickets, visit Hands of Hope Country Garden and Antique Faire.

Barrington Country Garden and Antique Faire...Barrington Area Photographer

Hands of Hope Barrington Country Garden and Antique Faire