Festival on the Square a success

  • Brianna Ross enjoys chatting with customers during the Festival on the Square. Ross is owner of Boutique By Brianna. “It was great to see people get so excited about the products I put so much time and care into,” Ross said. “My stuffed bumblebees and octopuses were by far the best sellers this year, especially among kids and teens”
    Brianna Ross enjoys chatting with customers during the Festival on the Square. Ross is owner of Boutique By Brianna. “It was great to see people get so excited about the products I put so much time and care into,” Ross said. “My stuffed bumblebees and octopuses were by far the best sellers this year, especially among kids and teens”
  • Hayesville hometown musician, 18-year-old Colton James performs traditional country from artists including Johnny Cash. Above he performs Dairus Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel.”
    Hayesville hometown musician, 18-year-old Colton James performs traditional country from artists including Johnny Cash. Above he performs Dairus Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel.”
  • Historical and Arts Council sells T-shirts at the booth.
    Historical and Arts Council sells T-shirts at the booth.
  • Bob Epperson relaxes on the courthouse square bench named in his and wife Shirley's honor.
    Bob Epperson relaxes on the courthouse square bench named in his and wife Shirley's honor.
    Pam Roman and grandson Jackson visit the ice cream booth.

    Pam Roman and grandson Jackson visit the ice cream booth.

    Despite a thunderstorm stopping the music of Moe Buckner and Our Way Band shortly after the Friday night street dance began, crowds still came out for the main event of the 2022 Festival on the Square, all day Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10. Hosted by Clay County Historical & Arts Council, the family-friendly festival offered live music, artists, craft vendors and food for the 41st year.

    Some brief rain showers fell Saturday, but attendees shopped for items from handmade knives to oil paintings and jewelry to whiskey barrel furniture. Along with exploring the artists’ booths, festival guests lined up for tasty food like fresh barbecue, Mexican corn on the cob, bratwursts, hot dogs and Cajun turkey wraps, all provided by The Copper Door. Sweet tooth cravings were satisfied by ice cream dished up by volunteers from Historic Hayesville Inc. Some of Saturday’s festival attendees returned on Sunday, just for the food.

    For the past four decades, the Festival on the Square has been held on the second weekend of July, on the grounds surrounding the Beal Center, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some festival organizers said there seemed to be less people at the event this year. Yet, many of the 80-plus vendors said their weekend was good.

    Sponsored by the Clay County Historical & Arts Council, the annual Festival on the Square is a major fund-raiser for 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.

    New members and volunteers are always welcome by CCHAC. For details, visit: www.clayhistoryarts.org.