Nantahala hosts first arts & crafts festival

  • The festival sign welcomes visitors to the first Nantahala Arts and Crafts Festival held this past Saturday.
    The festival sign welcomes visitors to the first Nantahala Arts and Crafts Festival held this past Saturday.
  • Wander Yonder Folk Art had the most unique flocks of birds for sale.
    Wander Yonder Folk Art had the most unique flocks of birds for sale.
  • Keep your hens happy and protected from “mean girl” hens and roosters with these handmade feather protectors.
    Keep your hens happy and protected from “mean girl” hens and roosters with these handmade feather protectors.
  • Ronnie Stillwell of Swain County had pottery for sale. Items included a variety of mugs, a horsehair vase and his own version of a salt pig, among others.
    Ronnie Stillwell of Swain County had pottery for sale. Items included a variety of mugs, a horsehair vase and his own version of a salt pig, among others.
  • Ty Andrews of Robbinsville started Appalachian Rings after he had created a wooden ring for himself, and others started making request for him to make them rings as well. He makes rings using a variety of materials such as wood, ceramic, stainless steel, precious stones and even deer antlers.
    Ty Andrews of Robbinsville started Appalachian Rings after he had created a wooden ring for himself, and others started making request for him to make them rings as well. He makes rings using a variety of materials such as wood, ceramic, stainless steel, precious stones and even deer antlers.
  • A patron gets a sweet taste of local gold from Nantahala Honey Company.
    A patron gets a sweet taste of local gold from Nantahala Honey Company.
  • A woodcrafter at the event demos a unique seat for toddlers.
    A woodcrafter at the event demos a unique seat for toddlers.
  • Jean Whisnant, glass blower who creates her work at the Jackson County Green Energy Park, had a variety of glass vases and other items for sale.
    Jean Whisnant, glass blower who creates her work at the Jackson County Green Energy Park, had a variety of glass vases and other items for sale.
  • A fried bologna sandwich was the daily special from Pop’s Big Cheese Wagon.
    A fried bologna sandwich was the daily special from Pop’s Big Cheese Wagon.
  • Bobbie Earlery, of Bryson City, with her Nonsensicalstore crafts, brought a reminder that Halloween is just around the corner.
    Bobbie Earlery, of Bryson City, with her Nonsensicalstore crafts, brought a reminder that Halloween is just around the corner.

    Nantahala Community Development held its inaugural Arts & Crafts Festival on Saturday, July 27 near the Nantahala River rafting launch site at the corner of 19-74 and Wayah Road. The event could easily be called a success, as the organization used its central location to draw from surrounding communities from Franklin to Bryson City and Hayesville for an assortment of booths. There was a steady flow of people visiting the tents that included a variety of handcrafted goods from soap to end tables. (Photos by Jessica Webb/SMT)