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Cloggers entertain at last year's Fall Festival at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Photo courtesy of the Folk School
Brasstown – Despite the lingering heat, fall arrives for certain this weekend.
Autumn’s richly textured landscape and brilliant color palette create a stunning backdrop for cultural gatherings throughout the Appalachians as John C. Campbell Folk School’s annual Fall Festival returns for its 45th year on Saturday and Sunday.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, when residents and visitors will gather in fond anticipation of the county’s biggest annual event.
Festival-goers will stroll several wooded paths, visiting with more than 200 regional artisans showcasing quality works for sale. Inside the folk school’s studios, talented instructors will demonstrate traditional and contemporary crafts for appreciative audiences.
Throughout the weekend, spirited music and dance performances will fill the air with infectious energy. On the Festival Barn and Craft Shop stages, regional musicians will share bluegrass, Celtic, gospel and folk songs. Dancers will entertain the crowds with clogging, Morris and Garland performances scheduled.
The festival’s Quilting Exhibition will adorn the Pitman Fiber Arts Building’s walls with dozens of intricately patterned quilts. In addition, a slideshow of Painting & Photography Instructor art will run in the Keith House Community Room.
Children can visit the Kids Cove area, where they’ll enjoy pony rides, petting alpacas and visiting the Valley River Humane Society’s pet adoption booth. The Cove Theatre will offer children an opportunity to participate in creative play with dress up costumes and musical instruments. Face painting, along with other arts and crafts activities, will be offered by the Cherokee County Arts Council.
The folk school’s acclaimed Craft Shop welcomes visitors who appreciate distinctive gifts, home accents and books. Brimming with creativity, the venue showcases fine crafts from more than 600 regional artists. Visitors can register to win a $100 gift certificate.
The Fall Festival offers plentiful free parking, along with a free on-campus shuttle bus. Handicapped parking is available in the Keith House gravel lot and adjacent to the Fiber Arts Building.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12-17 and free for children under 12. For details, visit folkschool.org or call 1-800-365-5724.