Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: October - 2022

Now in its 13th year, the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival annually attracts hordes of eager leaf peepers eager to catch the start of leaf changing season. From Friday to Sunday, October 7-9, the 13.2-acre section of The Village Green turns into an artisan merchant market and a music stage. Throughout the weekend, enthusiastic visitors crowd the field to admire and buy art and crafts while they simultaneously enjoy the changing leaves, the vibrant colors, the music and food and a perfect day in the mountains. This year 75 talented artisans and merchants will travel from nearly every state of the South to exhibit their hand made products. On display are hundreds of eye-catching and appealing works of arts and comestibles – from jewelry to metallurgy to paintings and pottery and clothing and soap and baked goods and honey. All of it is a feast for the eyes. Here’s a brief snapshot of three of the participating artists: Long a popular draw is Western North Carolina artist Deborah Bryant, who pulls inspiration from nature to weave rarefied, gorgeous fabrics. The sought-after garments she makes – scarves, ponchos and shawls – give life to her textiles. North Carolina woodcarver Chris Boone has been exhibiting at the festival for a decade. In 40 years of woodwork, Chris has made a name for himself by turning a hunter’s tool into beautiful works of art, carving decoy ducks and waterfowl that are a departure from traditional decoys. New to the festival this year is Amber Marcet from Sapphire who fashions artful candle holders, mugs, vases and other functional pieces from clay. Hungry shoppers will want to seek out one of the food trucks. From Sylva, Chili Chomper II will be serving up a delectable menu of delicious, freshly made Mexican favorites – tortas, tacos, tostados, quesadillas and burritos. Pizza lovers will be thrilled to discover Asheville’s Travelin’ Dough food truck and their authentic Italian Neapolitan pizza made in the traditional style. Also on the culinary lineup, terrific charcuterie from Juqui Cheatham with Wanderview Hospitality of Cashiers. Always a highlight of the weekend is the Hometown Concert Series sponsored by Ingles Supermarket, this year featuring Joe Lasher and Kaitlyn Baker. Other headliners include Ellie’s Groove, George Reeves, Julie Gribble, and the Blue Ridge Junior Appalachian Musicians. The festival starts each day at 10:00 A.M. and ends at 5:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday, and until 3:00 PM on Sunday. For more information and a full schedule of events and activities during the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, visit VillageGreenCcashiersNC.com/Events.