A Weekend to Wander

Mark your calendar for June 27–28 and August 29–30 as the Mountaintop Rotary Art & Craft Show fills Founders Park with exceptional makers and lively activities.

Written by: Mary Jane McCall

Issue: May 2026

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Get ready, because this is one of those weekends you’ll wish you hadn’t missed.

The Mountaintop Rotary Art and Craft Show is back at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on June 27–28 and again August 29–30. This isn’t your average stroll-past-a-few-booths kind of event. This is where seriously good art and craftsmanship take center stage.

What sets this show apart? Quality, plain and simple. This is a juried show, meaning artisans have been carefully selected for their skill, originality, and craftsmanship. The result is a lineup of some of the most talented makers from across the Southeast and beyond. Think beautifully turned wood pieces, hand-thrown pottery, fine jewelry, textiles, paintings, you name it, and it’s done well. These aren’t mass-produced pieces; they’re the kind of items you’ll treasure, gift, or proudly display at home.

And the best part? You can actually meet the artists, hear their stories, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together.

Of course, it’s not just about shopping (though you’ll definitely want to). The whole event has a lively, welcoming feel with music drifting through the park, local food to snack on, and plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Kids can get hands-on with crafts, and longtime favorites like the Teddy Bear Hospital add a little extra charm. For the adults, the relaxed “sip and stroll” vibe makes browsing even more enjoyable.

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While reveling in this weekend’s fun and enjoying all the exquisite art and crafts, please remember that this is Mountaintop Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Every dollar raised goes right back into our community.

This year’s donations will support local youth programs. Youth programs they have supported in previous years have included the Highlands School Fund, Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau, Literacy & Learning Center, PAC Educational Theatre, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cashiers-Highlands, along with scholarships, Shop with a Cop, and more.  Mountaintop Rotary supports many causes throughout the year, but they earmark all donations from this festival to our area’s youth.

We’ve all heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and Mountaintop Rotary prides itself on being a most supportive member of that village.

Admission is free, and who doesn’t love free admission, though donations are always appreciated.

Mountaintop Rotary is grateful for the many sponsors who help make it all happen, and they’re always happy to welcome new ones. You can reach them at highlandsartshow@gmail.com or through their Facebook page.

Join the village of the Mountaintop Art and Craft show, make a difference in a child’s life, and enjoy the art, music, and activities. These are weekends to remember.

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