For the past 78 years the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield has held their Dogwood Festival, which features local artists and musical performances throughout the three-day event.
Aside from the line-up of musical performers and local artists, the historic festival is a place where local artisans and crafters can market their products.
Woodbury resident Ron Pinto, co-owner of Winding Drive Artisan Jams and Jellies, nearly sold out of all his jams and jellies by 5 p.m Saturday.
Pinto lost his job in 2008 and began concocting jam recipes with his wife in their kitchen at home. The couple rented a kitchen during their second year in business and eventually built a commercial kitchen in Woodbury during their third year.
Winding Drive won several awards at the 2013 Connecticut Specialty Food Competition in the jam category, Pinto said.
Blueberry limoncello won first place and raspberry chocolate received second place, he said. Habanero gold jelly, their most popular flavor, received top honors in the savory category.
"I'll be back at the festival next year. It's a really good market," Pinto said. "Business was very good."
Pinto says his jams and jellies are often given to guests at showers and weddings or they are used as party favors.
The Dogwood Festival runs from 12 - 5 p.m. Sunday.
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