Andrews – A big success was the only way to describe the outcome of this year’s Spring Fling on Saturday, as more than 3,000 people stopped by.
Main Street downtown was busy with locals and visitors alike and everyone appeared to be enjoying the sunshine and festive atmosphere. Even the dogs that were out with their owners frolicked in the warmth of the afternoon and greeted other canines with a cheerful bark and customary sniff.
Craft vendors of all sorts were displaying their wares as music filled the air throughout the day.
Adults and children were attracted to the large salamander in a 300-gallon tank brought by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. His name was Rocky the Hellbender, and he was quite the show stopper.
Several food trucks were cooking up a variety of “eats” for those getting hungry, while kids were running toward the inflatable attractions and games set aside just for them in the Kid Zone.
Folks were also signing up for the mini seminars at the Andrews Chamber of Commerce. Some of the seminars on the list included gardening, retirement planning and skin care.
Some people were purchasing plants from the Andrews Garden Club, while others were signing up to purchase raffle tickets for a Diamondback mountain bike and other gifts from the Hurlburt-Johnson Friendship House homeless shelter in Murphy.
Weiner dogs were in full regalia for the first Doxie Derby. And a photo booth made taking photos fun, especially since there was a gift card offered as a prize for the photo with the most votes.
“I moved from Atlanta to Blairsville; this is my first time here at the event,” Cherie Martin said. “I feel like coming to Andrews makes me feel like I’m stepping back in time, like a village I grew up in. I love the ambience of it, the architectural design of the buildings and all the vendors. It’s like art and craftsmanship is being preserved through generations in time.”
Some of the many crafts being sold were woodworking items and furniture, custom knives, floral arrangements, jewelry, soaps, oils, candles, spring and steampunk hats and clothing as well as many other items. People could find just about anything.
Folks from Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel were on hand teaching anyone who was interested how to play blackjack.
“This is lovely, and it beats all the COVID lockdowns for sure,” said Cathy Hindman from Virginia.
Beth Jackson from Georgia said of the day’s outing, “It’s beautiful weather, and there’s lots of crafts. I like to support local businesses wherever I am.”