image courtesy of Craftsmen’s Fair
The wonderful display known as the Gatlinburg Summer Craftsmen’s Fair is on again, for the 38th year! This internationally attended and highly acclaimed event takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, July 19 through July 28, 10 am to 6 pm daily (5 pm Sundays).
The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is always a spellbinding treat for visitors who can be here during the ten days it runs, and locals never tire of the sheer variety of crafts and rare mediums on display, at up to 200 booths.
In a dazzle of arts and crafts, most compelling are the live demonstrations by artisans teaching their skills to all. Kids and grown-ups both are equally entranced (and the kids get in free!). And kids this year will find a lot of art projects designed especially for them in a children’s area, suitable for ages 2 and up!
The Gatlinburg area is itself densely populated with arts and crafts of all kinds, building on its deep Appalachian legacy, and the Craftsmen’s Fair, which happens twice a year, in July and again in October, is always bursting with magnificent local talent.
The quality is notched high by the jury-selection process that picks people who are the top in their field to participate. And the event is multiply enriched by some of the greatest artisans from across the country who come to be part of what is indisputably one of the nation’s finest crafts fairs.
If you love to window shop, or to buy for real from among the incredible variety of unique, hand-crafted items for sale, the Craftsmen’s Fair is a feast for the eyes. Also for the ears, with musical instruments being made and displayed, as well as live bluegrass and country music shows daily.
No matter how many times you’ve been before, there’s always something new and amazing at the Craftsmen’s Fair, a show to catch again and again.
For more information check the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair web site.
