Sparta NC Hosts the 21st Annual Mountain Heritage Festival

photo courtesy High Country Press

September 19, 2015  21st Annual Mountain Heritage Festival    Craft and food vendors line Main Street in celebration of mountain heritage in craft and music. This year's entertainment features Loose Strings and 3 other local bands. 

With demonstrations of the skills of local ancestors and music that mixes local heritage with modern influences, there is something for everyone. Dancers will be kicking up their heels and  the  Possum Queen will be crowned.

2015 Entertainment Schedule  (subject to change):
10 AM – Opening Ceremonies
National Anthem Performed by 11 year old Karis Howell Colors Presented by Bruce Wayne Osborne VFW Post.
10:30 AM – JAM Youth Showcase
11 AM – Jubilee Dancers - Traditional line dancing performed by Alleghany Jubilee’s regulars.
11:30 AM – Alleghany Moon
12:30 PM – the Dance Place Dancers
12:45 PM– Cake Auction - Your chance to bid on desserts made by Alleghany’s best bakers!
1 pm – Crooked Road Ramblers - The Crooked Road Ramblers are an old-time band from Southwest Virginia, steeped in the traditional music of the Blue Ridge.
1 PM - Soap Box Derby
Enjoy the 2nd annual race down Main Street. Starting at the end near the Sparta Presbyterian Church and finishes at the Alleghany County Administrative offices.
2 PM– WestWend - WestWend is an American/country duo comprised of Jonathan Maness (guitar, vocals) and Wendy Crowe (vocals) from Knoxville, TN
3:30 PM – Rise and Shine Band - The Rise and Shine Band is the house band at the Alleghany Jubilee, located in the former Spartan Theater on Sparta’s Main Street, and is a regular on the Mountain Heritage Stage
4 PM – Possum Queen Contest, Hillbilly Wes to Emcee - Come out to see who will take home the crown.  

Appalachian Lifestlye Celebration in Waynesville

June 13, 2015   Appalachian Lifestlye Celebration   A full day celebration of mountain heritage, live music and dance, crafts, and Appalachian life skills. Both educational and entertaining, the event features craft demonstrations such as basketry, wood carving, quilting, along with storytelling, traditional mountain music, clogging, and old time food vendors.10 AM - 5 PM. 

The Celebration is held on Main Street in historic downtown Waynesville NC.

Fall Heritage Festival features Old-time Crafts

October 6    Mars Hill Fall Heritage Festival    Traditional mountain music and old-time craft demonstrations, local arts and crafts fill the town of Mars Hill and the Mars Hill College campus at this family-friendly festival. Food available from local vendors.
For eighteen years the Town of Mars Hill has sponsored the Annual Heritage Festival, an event Madison County Residents, mountain visitors and folks from surrounding counties look forward to every year. More than 70 local arts and crafts vendors will be participating. Enjoy homemade lunches and baked goods. A shuttle will be available for easy access.