Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair

This August 6^th and 7^th the nostalgic town square of Burnsville will once again be transformed into the best event east of the Mississippi, The Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair. 

 As you stroll up and down the “Norman Rockwell” streets lined with artist booths, you will find chairs and tables, hand hewn from rhododendron bushes and maple logs.  Seasoned blacksmiths produce everything from whimsical fairies to intricate candelabras.  Grab yourself a warm bag of fresh popped kettle corn as your taste buds salivate and continue around the square and onto the side streets. 

You will see sparkling glass, gold, silver, and beaded jewelry, from the contemporary to the very traditional.   Birdhouses, candles, soaps, and lotions are available in every size and shape and we guarantee that you find something that you like and must have.  Our over 200 artists are as varied as the crafts that they produce and many will be working on their craft as you browse.

Quilt squares appear not only on local barns and buildings but are for sale by some of the best quilters since Betsy Ross.  Handmade clothes, purses, and vests, are just some of the items that adorn the beautifully decorated booths.  Yes, we also have homemade jams and jellies that are as good as Aunt Bea used to make. 

For lunch enjoy a delicious BBQ plate with a glass of cold Southern Tea while sitting underneath the cool shade of the large maple trees.  The sounds of the bluegrass band float along in the late summer breeze and up next is a clogging group from a local school.  A constant flow of performers entertain those gathered on the town square with all of the entertainment being free of charge.  Young and old cannot help themselves as they tap their feet or dance a jig as the bands and performers continue through the day… and did we mention the homemade ice cream. 

John Doyle, as a friend of the Chamber, has created logos for the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair for many years.  His paintings and ‘social landscapes’ are enjoyed throughout the world.  By his own admission, his drawings gave him fame, historic preservation and made him complete.  This year’s logo of the sunflower is his last and can be seen on posters and T-Shirts that will be available at this year’s event.

As the sun begins to dip into the western sky, notice the prisms of brilliant colors as the sun sets on the handcrafted stained glass windows and sun catchers.  Plan now to attend the 54^rd annual Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair August 6^th and 7^th, 2010.  For more information call the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce at 828-682-7413 or visit our website at www.HomeOfMtMitchell.com. 

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