Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival returns for 45th year | Journal-news

LEETOWN — After a cancellation last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 45th annual Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival will be held this weekend at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

“I am so thrilled that everything is a go,” shared Heather McIntyre, director of the chamber.

McIntyre shared that while the number of vendors is down a bit, from the average of 180 to about 150, it will still be an excellent show.

The festival brings a variety of vendors who offer their wares, including jewelry, glasswork, stonework, photography and more. Several clothing vendors will be on hand, as well as those offering furniture, pottery and quilts, to name a few.

A gourmet market will be filled with a variety of food vendors, and Mountain State Brewery and Greenbrier Valley Brewery will feature craft beers.

In addition to the crafters, children’s activities will be set up throughout the weekend. Book reading and coloring pages will be offered, along with several sessions of pumpkin decorating and leaf scratch art. On Saturday, at both 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., the Rainbow Rock Band will be on hand for children’s entertainment.

Bluegrass musicians will be scheduled throughout the weekend, as well. Those looking for some great pickin’ can find Patent Pending, Jim Hurst, Michele Hannan and One Blue Night, Michael Christopher and The Hillbilly Gypsies on the stage at various times. A complete schedule can be found on the Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival website at www.mhacfestival.org.

The event will run from Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $10 per person. Children 13 and under are free. One may visit the festival website to obtain a $1 off coupon or purchase advance tickets for only $8.50.

“We were so disappointed to not have the festival last year,” McIntyre said. “But we are looking forward to a successful show this year.”

McIntyre added that the goal of the chamber is to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations.

“We are requesting people wear masks, especially when going into the buildings,” she said. “We are not requiring them.”

Profits from the festival go back into the community in the form of donations made by the chamber of commerce. Recipient organizations vary each year and have included the Jefferson County 4-H Leaders Association, the Boy Scouts, fire and rescue companies and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Reserves.

Alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited.

For more information, please call 304-725-2055.

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