
With a population roughly the same as that of Hamilton College, the village of Clinton came together Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 for its annual Fall Fest “Off the Hill Challenge!” in the heart of downtown Clinton. Organized by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce in coordination with the Clinton Cider Mill and the Hamilton Student Student Activities Office, this event allowed students, visitors and locals alike to enjoy the wide range of activities offered. Participants were able to tour small businesses on College Hill Road, paint pumpkins and enjoy cinnamon-sugar doughnuts.
Spanning from 12:00–4:00 p.m, the 2022 Fall Fest allowed for small businesses to attract potential customers and highlight the many products they have in store. As an incentive for exploring the quaint stores located on West Park Row and its surroundings, Hamilton College students could complete a scavenger hunt and receive a free Fall Fest t-shirt for participating.
By going into these stores and collecting 15 signatures from each business, students not only added free Clinton merchandise to their wardrobe, but were able to connect with individuals they would have never met. Paddywacks, Utica Coffee, Artisan’s Corner, Thriftish and Giovanni’s Pizzeria were among the multitude of local businesses showcased on the scavenger hunt. Furthermore, these shops offered special student discounts in honor of the event, such as 25% off on all purchases at Building Stones Fair Trade Shoppe, handmade postcards at Artisan’s Corner and a $1 discount on ice cream purchases at The Cremeria.
Looking at the event from a business owner’s perspective, Fall Fest 2022 gave owners the opportunity to showcase the
uniqueness of their store around the Village Green. For instance, Artisan’s Corner, situated on the corner of College Hill Road, stands as a collective of 42 local craftsmen and craftswomen coming together to present their work. From elegantly painted bird feeders to black and white pictures of Hamilton College and lavender body lotions, this cooperative gives Clinton inhabitants the opportunity to buy high-quality articles at an affordable price.

Across the street, Utica Coffee serves up some of the most refined, rich coffee that Clinton has to offer. Roasting their own coffee beans sourced from organic coffee bean farms across the globe, Utica Coffee is a popular place for students to fuel their caffeine addiction in an attempt to stay awake during early morning classes.
Lastly, Don Marie’s Treasures meshes new and vintage glassware, art, vinyls, tasty treats from around the area and much more displayed on the baby blue walls of the store.
Rings, necklaces, bracelets, figurines, clothing and posters decorate the shop in an antique but elegant fashion, attracting customers from all over upstate New York through their doors.
“My favorite part of Fall Fest has to be the students, and eventually they become friends of mine. Last year, I spoke with freshmen who came back this year, and recognizing them is the best. I learn alot from the students because they style things differently than I might, so we learn both what was hip in the past and nowadays,” commented Thriftish owner Carlene Mahanna.
As students went from store to store attempting to complete the scavenger hunt, the Clinton village green hosted various activities, including a show by one of Hamilton College’s a cappella groups Duelly Noted. Performing Take On Me, Ugly Heart, 9–5 and Past Lives for the crowd, their singing added an extra layer of entertainment in an event already packed with attractive events.
The Clinton Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Cider Mill, who catered homemade chili, corn bread, cinnamon doughnuts, apple cider and locally grown Honeycrisp apples for all to share. Face painting by Hamilton College student volunteers and pumpkin decorating were also part of the fun. Both activities were made possible thanks to the contributions of Student Activities and Sadove Programming, which is responsible for bringing quality programming to students through on-campus and off-campus opportunities.
“Fall Fest is one of my favorite traditions, it is very wholesome to spend time with the Clinton community and for the students to enjoy the shops Clinton has to offer, in order to know the village a little bit better,” Associate Director of Student Activities Kaity Stewart said.
Fall Fest 2022 brought the best of Clinton into the hands of Hamilton students and Clinton locals alike. Its entertainment, such as the scavenger hunt and face painting, food brought in by the Cider Mill and possibilities to explore is what makes Fall Fest uniquely special to Hamilton students and local Clinton residents.