Mountain State Art & Craft Fair enters 50th year - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

Mountain State Art & Craft Fair enters 50th year

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By Mike Ruben - email

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West Virginia's oldest heritage fair is getting bigger, too.

The Mountain State Art & Craft Fair originated at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center near Ripley back in 1963 to coincide with West Virginia's 100th birthday. This year's expanded event will take place July 5-7.

"We're increasing the number of crafters and stepping up the entertainment this year as we gear up for our 50th anniversary," said Jan Sizemore, director.

Approximately 170 artisans and crafters will be displaying their wares at this year's fair. That's 50 more than participated last year. The range of talent includes woodworking, candle making, leather craft, weaving, quilting, fine art, blacksmiths, metal sculpture, jewelry, soap making, shingle splitting and folk art.

Fair leaders will also have a gazebo dedicated as a lasting tribute to retiring Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. He has been involved with the fair since its inception. A ceremony is planned during the opening ceremony at 1 p.m. July 5.

"We're going to have a dedication to him for all of his support over the years," said Sizemore. "He was one of our founding fathers. He and a number of other people started the fair and he has been with us from the beginning."

The fair carries the slogan of "Traditions Worth Holding On To." The three-day event offers the best of traditional Appalachian music, food, heritage exhibits and family activities. Guests have a chance to shop and learn about products that are as authentic as the people. 

"The opportunity for visitors to the MSACF to meet the artisans, know who they are, the story behind what they do, is really unique," said Sizemore. "I believe this makes whatever they purchase that much more special."

And if visitors want to try a little crafting on their own, interactive artisan booths include broom making, basket weaving and stained glass workshops, among others. Each of these classes is designed and developed by the individual artisans and participants will leave
with their completed project.

"We're emphasizing hands-on demonstrations and an interactive tent," she said. "They can go in the tent, learn about a craft, and come out with a handmade item they take home with them. And it's all free."

A Civil War encampment will be on the grounds with a firing of the cannon marking the conflict's 151st anniversary. There will also be kite making for youth along with stunt kite flying and safety demonstrations. A NASA constructing and launching exhibit of small rockets is scheduled on opening day. The youth fishing derby will be July 6, and the Firecracker Chili Cookoff is planned July 7, the final day of the Fair.

For entertainment, find a comfortable spot beneath a shade tree or on a bale of hay and enjoy local and regional musicians and performers all three days. Headlining the Fair this year are the Samples Brothers Band, Jay Humphreys Trio and Sheppard Brothers Band.

Cedar Lakes Conference Center is located off I-77 between Charleston and Parkersburg at the Ripley/Fairplain exit. For information on the event and a daily event schedule go online at www.msacf.com or call 800-CALLWVA.