An excellent way to begin the autumn season is by attending the John C. Campbell Folk School’s Fall Festival on October 1-2, 2011. This annual event features over 180 juried and non-juried artisans along with a whole lot of culinary treats. You will find the very best in mountain handicrafts like jewelry, pottery, weaving, photography, rugs, furniture, paintings, baskets and much more. You’ll be fascinated by over 40 demonstrations of traditional and contemporary crafts. See how to throw a pot, turn a wood bowl, spin wool into yarn or build a fine Windsor chair.
In the Mountain Life Area you can watch exhibitions of blacksmithing, corn meal grinding, broom making and fly tying. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the History Center and the Craft Shop.
For the kids there is face painting, pony rides, wagon rides and a drum circle.
No festival would be complete without music—and this festival is full of toe tappin’ bluegrass, folk, gospel and Celtic music. Dancers will delight you with clogging, Morris, Garland and Rapper Sword performances. Entertainment will occur continuously on both the Festival Barn Stage and the Craft Shop Stage.
Bring your family out to the Folk School for this fun fantastical festival, but please leave your doggie at home. Operating hours are 10-5 both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is: $5 for adults; $3 for kids 12-17; and free for kids under 12.
The Campbell Folk School is located in the far western part of North Carolina, just north of the Georgia state line, 7 miles east of Murphy, off US 64. It is a 2 hour drive from Atlanta or Chattanooga. The physical address of the school is One Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC 28902.