The weather is always a major topic of conversation at Trade Secrets, the massive plant and antique sale to benefit Women's Support Services, and this year was no exception. The high winds toppled small trees and topiaries and chilled bones even as the brilliant sunshine had everyone squinting at 8 a.m. when the first of the 400 early buyers—twice as many as in previous years—started shopping. There were large contingents of well-groomed women from Greenwich, CT, and plenty of dressed-down gardeners from the Berkshires and Columbia County. Vendors reported brisk sales as shoppers from three states—including Edith Hilpman, Hunter Runnette and Elizabeth Hilpman (above) could not resist buying from local nurseries and antiques dealers to raise money for an agency that offers assistance to victims of domestic violence in our region.
Carol & Bob Sadlon of The Moviehouse in Millerton; vendors Elena Letteron & Anne Johnston of Germain in Great Barrignton
Bob Hyland & Andrew Beckman of Loomis Creek Nursery in Hudson.
Trade Secrets founders Deb Munson & Naomi Blumenthal with Jesse Blumenthal; Jessy & Jordan Haggard with their mother, Kimberly Rock of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Dana & Joan Osofsky of Hammertown Barn.
Marionette maker Daniel Oates and ceramist Dana Brandwein, who has opened a "pop-up shop" at Germain in Great Barrington; volunteers George & Mary Elling of Falls Village.
Route 7 Grill grandparents Diana & Norton Blumenthal; Jimmy Callan, Linda Brinkley and Andrew Stuehrk.
Eugenie Warner and Andrew Gates of Little Gates & Co. Wine Merchants in Millerton.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
