Western North Carolina residents had 110 art and craft vendors visit at Mountain Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Vendors were lined up and open for business from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the intramural fields. Vendors were selling food, jewelry, quilts, soaps, and much more. Each vendor brought their own stories and paths on how they got there.
Mountain Heritage Day is a festival held annually; this year was the 49th year. It celebrates the culture of the southern Appalachian Mountains through food vendors, craft vendors, demonstrations, performances, and family-friendly activities.
The Coweeta Krafters displayed quilts, sewed crafts, and even painted bowling pins. They were founded in 1986 by a group of ladies from Coweeta Baptist Church, located in Otto, N.C., who wanted a place where they could come together and have fun while crafting. Since then they have lost members but gained new ones.
These women love being able to help their community and show the heritage of their home,”
Jackie Muse is the creator of Tennessee Tea Jars. They specialize in selling loose-leaf teas. There was a large variety of tea options at their tent. Every jar had labels that were designed by Muse. They also had some custom tea towels for purchase.
“I had heard a friend mention the idea, and I was looking for something to do while still being able to be a stay-at-home mom,” Muse said. She went on to explain that this business has been an outlet to help her get her art into the world. Tennessee Tea Jars has an online shop that you should check out.
Hudgins Design is owned by Angel Hudgins, who is also an artist and designer that specializes in custom jewelry. She had beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings on display. She graduated from WCU and is now located in Candler, North Carolina. Hudgins has an Esty where you can buy most of her designs.
“Mountain Heritage Day is a great time to reach new people” Hudgins said. She remembers going to the festival when she was a student and now, she is selling her art here 23 years later.
Everyone has their own stories and experiences that shaped their life. Supporting the local artists and vendors helps share those stories and values to keep the Western North Carolina culture and heritage alive.
