Voted one of the South's most popular summer events, Gatlinburg
readies itself for the 31st Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair. Over
180 craftspeople will be exhibiting and demonstrating their crafts at
the Gatlinburg Convention Center this July 21 through 30. During these dates the Gatlinburg Convention Center transforms into an enormous multi-level community of craftspeople from all over the U.S.
The 31st Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair will host some of the
country's finest artisans that display and demonstrate their most
special and talented skills.
Sam
and Tracey Large have developed this event that encompasses nearly
three decades of dedication, coordination and planning. "We are so
fortunate to be able to offer such a wide variety of talents and
products for our visitors to enjoy. We take great pride in the quality
level of our craftspeople." Each entrant is juried for quality and
unusual skill. "About 80% of our participants are perennial favorites
who are returning, however new exhibitors join the show every year so
there is always something new, exciting and fresh for our guests to
look forward to."
Artist David Ogle of Gatlinburg, TN,
along with his wife, Tammie, carry on a family tradition of the
masterful creation of handmade brooms with beautifully carved handles.
As a third generation of craftsmen, they are carrying on a tradition
that has been in their family for well over 70 years. David has been
practicing and developing his craft since the age of 13. His
combination of skilled hands, along with nature's wide array of shapes,
allow him to produce one of a kind brooms, hiking sticks and walking
canes that most would label as true works of art.
This year's show will also have the Trimbles, of Midland, Ohio. Geneva,
a life long artist, and her husband Phil will demonstrate to all those
interested (and there are many) how to take old windows and skillfully
transform them into artistic masterpieces that will provide your home
with an incredible new look. Geneva's
special talent comes from breathing new life into old, discarded
antique windows by skillfully painting beautiful, yet realistic scenes,
on the windows. Her images are suitable for any room of the house. In
fact some collectors have chosen not to use them as a window at
all...but instead just hang them on a wall as a true piece of art. When
you see them you will understand why!
For
those attending this summer's event, give yourself plenty of time to
see all that the show has to offer. When it's time for a break, you can
relax and enjoy the country, blue grass and gospel music of Keith
Longbotham and Band. Dennis Lee and Band will also play selected dates.
It's a lot of fun and great entertainment for your entire family.
Make
your plans now to attend the 31st Annual Summer Craftsmen's Fair July
21st thru the 30th. Hours are 10am to 7pm daily and 10am to 5pm on
Sundays. Music shows are 1, 3 and 5pm daily 1 and 3pm on Sundays and
are included in the admission cost ($5 for Adults and children 12 and
under free).