Easy Mountain Living at Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair August 5–6
By Teryn Worsham
The Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair marks its 60th year of promoting fine craftsmanship on Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Sponsored by the Yancey County/Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, the fair is held in historic downtown Burnsville where the town square will be transformed into a thoroughfare with more than 200 artist booths lining the streets.
Makers of quality home goods and furnishings will offer birdhouses, candles, soaps, lotions, items from skilled local blacksmiths, and handcrafted chairs and tables hewn from rhododendron bushes and maple logs. If you’re looking to accessorize, check out the handmade clothing, purses, and vests, and glass, gold, silver, or beaded jewelry.
Artist, Pete McWhirter
Pete and Kim McWhirter, of McWhirter Pottery, have participated in the fair since 1964. Kim shares, “The experience is a variety of handmade craft with a focus on mountain crafts.” In addition to selling their art, Pete and Kim will perform as a duo under the name Broke Holler on the town square stage from 1–2 p.m.
Arrive hungry as there will be barbecue plates with iced tea, freshly popped kettle corn, and homemade jams, jellies, and ice cream. Bluegrass and clogging will take place all day long and provide a soundtrack for your shopping experience.
For more information, call the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce at 828.682.7413 or visit their website at yanceychamber.com/craft-fair.
