PRESS RELEASE FROM EVENT ORGANIZERS:
The Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce announces its 39th Sourwood Festival in downtown Black Mountain, Saturday August 13 and Sunday 14. The family-oriented, non-alcoholic street festival has over 200 booths of original arts and crafts, a large variety of food booths, a music tent with acts throughout each day, a kid fun park, carnival rides, honey and bee demonstrations – from which the festival’s name was derived; the Sourwood tree is the source of the region’s well-known Sourwood honey. The festival draws over 30,000 people from across the region each year.
“The Sourwood Festival is perhaps Black Mountain’s most popular and well-known summertime event,” says Bob McMurray, director of the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. “Between the vast options of food, arts, crafts, music, fun for the kids, bee demonstrations and so much more– there is something for everyone in the family. The event is pet-friendly, so even the family dog is welcome! We are very proud of the quality and variety of vendors who participate in the festival each year.”
Some of the items at this year’s Sourwood Festival include vintage glass frames, maps and books about the Valley, handmade knives, educational wooden toys, handmade jewelry, carved candles and soaps, handcrafted lip balm and skin care products, pottery, pen and ink drawings, Bonsai trees, handcrafted leather belts, sunglasses, wooden benches and mantles, children’s books and dolls, birdhouses and feeders, dog treats, sculptures, cheese boards, clothing, plants, musical instruments, photography, yard art, and much more.
“The unique items at the festival are astounding, yet some people simply come for the delicious festival food,” comments McMurray. “We’ll have funnel cakes, kettle corn, cheesecake on a stick, gyros, kabobs, corn dogs, blooming onions, chicken on a stick, French fries, Polish sausage, Philly cheesesteaks, turkey legs, shaved ice, mini donuts, homemade sodas, cotton candy and snow cones, and more— so come hungry!”
Entertainment in the music tent includes old favorites and new performers with a different act every hour.
The Sourwood Idol Contest kicks off the festival on Friday, August 12. The contest is open to non-professional individual singing performances with no entry fee and a chance to win cash prizes.
Sourwood Festival schedule:
• Friday, August 12- Sourwood Idol Contest at the Big Tent next to the Depot, 7 – 10 p.m.
• Saturday, August 13- Sourwood Festival, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, August 14- Sourwood Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While in Black Mountain, visit all the downtown shops and enjoy the painted rockers in “The Little Town that Rocks.”
For a map and list of vendors, visit www.sourwoodfestival.com. For more information and a complete guide to the area, visit www.exploreblackmountain.com or contact the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce at 800-669-2301.
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