By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
The popular Festival on the Square has graced Hayesville’s Historic Courthouse Square for 43 years every second weekend in July. Arts, music and food are all offered at the family-friendly event in the shadow of the Beal Center which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
A street dance with live music will kick off the 2024 Festival on the Square around 7 p.m. Friday. July 12. Get there early because downtown streets in front of Chinquapin's and Hayesville Town Hall will close a couple of hours before the music begins. Make sure to pack your dancing shoes and bring a chair.
Then from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday July 13, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday July 14, more than 80 crafters and artists of various mediums will display their arts and crafts. Festival organizers say this will be the largest number of artists they have ever had. Artists come from all over the southeast with favorites such as jewelry, soap, fiber arts, candles, pottery, photography, paintings, embroidered pillows and glass items. Gourds, whimsical art, dog treats, wooden signs, handmade leather items, knives and whiskey barrel furniture are frequently available, along with numerous other arts and crafts.
Spend some time enjoying the free shows all weekend with various bands, dance groups and local soloists. Newcomers, as well as seasoned performers, will bring Appalachian entertainment to the gazebo. The full schedule will be in the July 11 edition of The Clay County Progress.
Come hungry since hot fresh-cooked food will be for sale both days. Tables are ready to eat on-site or take home containers will be available. Iced tea, sodas and water are sold both days as long as they last. Face-painting, kids’ crafts and more are frequent options for little ones to have fun.
The event is sponsored by the Clay County Historical & Arts Council, which celebrates 50 years as a nonprofit in 2024. Admission to the Festival on the Square and all entertainment is free, but food and drinks are sold to benefit CCHAC which supports the Old Jail Museum and various art and history events for the schools and community. CCHAC receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural and Natural Resources.
For details visit: https://clayhistoryartsnc.org. No pets allowed on the square during the festival, only service dogs.