By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
One of the most anticipated events of the year arrives this weekend. The 44th Festival on the Square kicks off with a good old-fashioned foot-stomping street dance. Starting at 7 p.m. Friday, July 11, The Joe Average Band will provide live music in front of Chinquapins.
The one-way streets by Hayesville Town Hall and Chinquapins will close a couple of hours before so make sure to get there early. Bring a chair and be ready to dance or just clap and tap along to those who decide to kick up their heels.
The main event goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 12 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13. Free shows continue all weekend with various soloists, bands, dance groups and some standard Appalachian entertainment. Bert Zimmerman will provide sound for the event.
Saturday’s schedule includes:
• 10 a.m. - John C. Campbell Folk School Cloggers.
• 12 p.m. - Wyatt Espalin.
• 1 p.m. - Rob Tiger.
• 2 p.m. - Cornbread Ted.
Sunday’s entertainment schedule is:
• 12 p.m. - Colton James.
• 2 p.m. - Emolyn Liden and Friends.
• 3 p.m. - Dwayne Taylor.
More than 80 crafters and artists booths from around the southeast will fill the lawns in the shadow of the Beal Center, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Metal art, candles and wood creations will be displayed as well as jewelry, fiber arts and paintings from oils to watercolors and acrylics gourds and birdhouses are always popular, along with handmade knives, local photography and glass items. Some artists will be doing artistic demonstrations in their booths.
Fresh-cooked food by The Copper Door will once again be available to eat on-site or take home for later. The menu includes barbecue pulled pork sandwiches and plates which include baked beans, slaw and a roll. Other options are grilled hot dogs and brats, as well as garden wraps, Cajun turkey wraps, Mexican corn and kettle chips. Beverages offered are water, sweet and unsweetened tea, Coke products and lemonade. Top it off with a dessert of brownies, cupcakes or cookies as you enjoy the live entertainment in the gazebo.
Sponsored by local non-profit Clay County Historical & Arts Council, admission to the Festival on the Square and all entertainment is free, but barbecue, drinks and baked goods are sold to benefit CCHAC, which supports the Old Jail Museum and various art and history events for the schools and the community. CCHAC receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural and Natural Resources. CCHAC is a 501C non-profit, operated entirely by volunteers and new members are always welcome. Stop by the CCHAC tent in front of the Beal Center for your festival memorabilia and to learn more about the work the group does.
Along with The Copper Door, who provides food, other local sponsors help make the Festival on the Square happen for the community and visitors. Without these businesses and groups, the Festival on the Square would likely not be possible.
For details, visit Clay County Historical and Arts Council on Facebook or go to: www.clayhistoryartsnc.org.