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The 41st annual Heritage Day will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center. The free celebration of mountain heritage is held by the Southern Highland Craft Guild and features demonstrations of traditional crafts accompanied by music.
A highlight of the event is the Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition held at 2 p.m. A Whimmy Diddle is an Appalachian mountain toy traditionally made from two sticks of rhododendron. Notches are carved into one stick and a propeller is attached to the end. Rubbing the notches with the second stick makes the proper spin. Can you get it to gee (spin to the right) and haw (spin to the left)?
During the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition, contestants are judged on the number of rotations between gees and haw they can complete during a given time. They may be asked to switch hands or whimmy diddle behind their back. All ages may compete with trophies given for best child, adult, and professional. Winners receive a moon pie and bragging rights.
Ongoing demonstrations will include traditional woodworking with traditional tools, weaving, spinning, dyeing, broom-making, stone carving, blacksmithing, soap-making, and printmaking. Visitors will have the opportunity to try their own hand at some of the crafts at an activity table. A music stage will provide further entertainment with bluegrass and gospel music.
There is free parking and a grassy area for picnics and relaxation. Spend an early autumn day in WNC honoring and learning about the crafts of yesteryear. Tour the Folk Art Center and maybe take a walk through the woods. For more information, including a list of participating craftspeople and musicians, call (828) 298-7928 or visit: www.craftguild.org.