The Cashiers annual Leaf Festival was home to over 100 artisans and vendors this weekend. Photo by Rachel Plouse.
The Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association (GCAMA) held the eighth annual Cashiers Leaf Festival from Oct. 7 to 9.
The free festival is held every year on Columbus Day weekend, just as the leaves are starting to change. According to GCAMA, this year the event brought an estimated 8,000 people to the area.
“The Board of Directors of GCAMA works year-round on the festival and is always excited about each new year. We are particularly thankful for all the terrific artists who return every year,” said Beverly Wichman, GCAMA Administrative Assistant.
While the event was three days long, I was only able to attend on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Attendees could purchase locally made wood art, pottery, jewelry and more from local artists as well as food and drinks from food trucks and other vendors.
Nancy McLendon, owner of Stained Glass Visions, shows off her hard work. Photo by Rachel Plouse.
“This is my first time at the festival and the business has been pretty good,” said Nancy McLendon, owner of Stained Glass Visions in Glenville. “I will definitely come back next year.”
Live music entertained visitors as they sat in the grass. Children ran throughout the field playing with hula hoops
“Great opportunity for the family to hang out and have fun, I love events like this,” said local resident Rose Hernandez.
The day kicked off with Americana Jones and special guest George Reeves performing on the Commons Stage while Geoff McBride performed at the Village Green Gazebo.
Shawn James takes the stage, early Saturday afternoon. Photo by Rachel Plouse.
Later in the day, Shawn James performed on the Commons Stage while Beth Turner performed at the Village Green Gazebo.
It was extremely windy during the second set of musicians but no one seemed to care.
“I feel like Dorothy,” said Shawn James as she stepped up to the microphone.
For information on more free events in Cashiers, check out the GCAMA website.
