The Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair fills downtown Burnsville with arts, crafts, food and music, Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6. This year marks the event’s sixtieth anniversary.
More than 200 artists and crafters will set up around the historic Town Square. The fair evolved out of a local tradition for crafters to gather on Town Square the first weekend of August and sell their wares. As popularity has increased, booths have been added to accommodate additional artisans. The event is now one of the largest and longest running crafts fairs in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“It’s always consistently good art,” says Ginger Johnson, executive director of the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce. “Everything is handmade.”
Shoppers select from custom furniture made with local materials, colorful quilts, blacksmith creations varying from utilitarian to whimsical, and various styles of pottery and jewelry. The area is particularly known for its collection of glass artists; their works of blown glass and stained glass will be on display. Homemade jams and jellies will also be available.
Many artists and crafters will demonstrate their talents as visitors admire their work.
Music, dancing and performances take place on the entertainment stage both days. Scheduled musical acts include: Roberta Whiteside, Rob Levin and William Ritter, Thistle Dew, Hot Duck Soup, Broke Holler, Typical Mountain Boys, and Ron and Minnie Powell. Dance Express and cloggers from World Class Dimensions will take the stage on Saturday, as well as performers from Parkway Playhouse, which celebrates its 70th season of local theater this year.
“The setting is perfect with two full days of entertainment around the Town Square,” Johnson says.
Southern fair staples, such as kettle corn, homemade ice cream, barbecue and sweet tea, will be served.
Hours for the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Admission to the fair is free.
For more information about the crafts fair, and other attractions and lodging options in Yancey County, visit www.ExploreBurnsville.com or call (828) 682-7413.