Arts & Crafts

From basket weaving to beading, to thrown pottery and leaded glass, many crafters and artists call Graham County home. In 1994, a crafters guild was formed: the New Horizons Arts and Crafts Guild. Many of the guild artists display their wares in the Graham County Chamber of Commerce.

Little signs beside the road might lead one to handmade quilts, baskets, furniture, mountain honey, fresh cheese, hand thrown pottery and homemade preserves.

Cherokee Indians are native to the county. They make beautiful baskets, beaded items and carvings. The memorial house below Junaluska's grave often has displays of these items, some of which are for sale.

In addition to area shops which feature arts and crafts, several festivals provide visitors with a chance to sample local wares.

The Heritage Festival is held in Robbinsville the week of July 4th. The festival usually begins at 10 a.m., July 4, in one of the designate communities. Tributes to our war veterans, a parade, the duck race, a tribute at Junaluska's Grave and day-long activities throughout the county.

July 4th will also be celebrated at Fontana Village with a full slate of games, a parade and fireworks.

The Stecoah Valley Center usually sponsors two festivals each year: the Stecoah Festival on Labor Day weekend and a Harvest festival near the end of October. Stecoah Valley also hosts activities during the Heritage Festival on July 4.

Near the end of April the Robbinsville rescue Squad sponsors an annual "Ramp" festival. Full meals are available along with ramps which are a bitter herb that is stronger than either onions or garlic. The Family Fun Fest is generally celebrated in conjunction with the Ramp Festival. Children of all ages will find hands-on activities throughout the afternoon.

Revised: October 07, 2008.