One the area’s most popular events will happen in downtown Hayesville on the second weekend in July. The 45th Festival on the Square will bring visitors and locals together for a weekend of entertainment, barbeque, unique arts, crafts booths and more.
The fun times kick off with a good old-fashioned foot-stomping street dance which starts at 7 p.m. Friday, July 10. Quick Brown Fox will provide live music in front of Chinquapin’s. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair and be ready to dance, stomp or just enjoy watching others swing their partners.
The main event goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 12. About 80 vendors will display their creations, including things like paintings, candles, glassware, handmade knives, metal art, photography and lots more.
Free shows continue all weekend with various bands, soloists, dance groups and some standard Appalachian entertainment. A complete entertainment schedule will be posted in the July 9 issue of the Clay County Progress, along with more complete details about the event.
Fresh-cooked food will be available for purchase to eat on-site, or take home for later. There will be pulled pork barbeque available as a sandwich or a combo plate with slaw and baked beans, hot dogs, brats and salad.
Sponsored by local non-profit Clay County Historical & Arts Council, admission to the Festival on the Square and all entertainment is free, but food, drinks, and T-shirts 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.
For more information, visit Clay County Historical & Arts Council on Facebook, or visit: www.clayhistoryartsnc.org.