All aboard the arts-and-crafts festival train! The Mountaintop Rotary Art and Craft Show returns to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park June 27–28, with festivities running Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, this beloved event has earned a reputation as the crème de la crème of mountain art shows, where seriously talented artists and fine craftsmanship steal the spotlight.
What makes this show stand out is the quality. More than 120 artisans will fill the park, but this isn’t just any collection of vendors. The show is juried, meaning every artist has been carefully selected for originality, skill, and craftsmanship. Jurors from The Bascom will recognize standout artists who will receive cash awards.
Strolling through the booths, you’ll find everything from beautifully turned wood pieces and hand-thrown pottery to fine jewelry, paintings, textiles, glasswork, and more. These aren’t factory-made items you’ll forget about next season. They’re the kind of treasures that become conversation pieces in your home or meaningful gifts people actually remember.
Of course, art may be the star of the show, but there’s plenty more happening all weekend long. The crowd-favorite Sip and Stroll returns Saturday, June 27, from 1:00 until 6:00 P.M., featuring local brews from Western Carolina Brew and Wine and wine from The Secret Garden. Honestly, wandering through incredible art with your favorite drink in hand sounds like a pretty perfect afternoon. The Secret Garden will also be on hand all weekend with food.
Entertainment kicks off on Saturday with the PAC Educational Theatre performing scenes from their smash-hit production of Shrek The Musical at 11:00 A.M.
Then the music takes over with the smooth jazz sounds of The Standard Elevation Trio from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M., followed by singer-songwriter Breeze Cable from 3:00 until 6:00 P.M.
Families will want to make a beeline for the expanded Kids’ Zone, where children can enjoy hands-on crafts, the always-popular Teddy Bear Hospital, and brand-new activities this year. Kids can build creations from more than 30,000 LEGO pieces or make Taylor Swift-inspired pop bead bracelets to take home. Every Kids’ Zone activity is completely free.
And while everyone comes for the art, music, food, and fun, it’s worth remembering that this is also the Mountaintop Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Every dollar raised goes right back into local youth programs.
Organizations they have supported in the past are the Highlands School Fund, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, PAC Educational Theatre, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cashiers-Highlands, scholarships, Shop with a Cop, and more.
So come ready to shop, sip, stroll, and stay awhile, because this isn’t just an art show – it’s a celebration.
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