<< Back 9/4/02 Folk center recreates mountain traditions SMN The Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Center takes a step back in time Friday, Sept. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 22, for three days with craft making, storytelling and music reflecting the southern mountain traditions. This annual celebration also marks the 23rd Gee-Haw Whimmy Diddle World Competition. Friday’s festivities begin at 1 p.m., with an arrangement of old-time and bluegrass music performed by Buncombe Turnpike. Following, in conjunction with the Scottish exhibition displayed at the Folk Art Center, a play composed by Buncombe Turnpike’s Tom Godleski, depicts the life of Scottish settlers in Western North Carolina. A lecture on Wade Martin by Jerry Israel followed by a book signing by Wade Martin is one of the many highlights of the afternoon. Heritage crafts from the mountains will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21. Crafts people of the Southern Highlands share the timeless ways of basket weaving, broom making and woodworking with hand tools. Timed mountain music is heard throughout the day while demonstrations of the preparation of hominy and apple butter are taking place. “Heritage Weekend takes time to honor our past, and the people who carry on the traditions that inspired the birth of the Southern Highland Craft Guild 72 years ago,” said Ruth Summers, executive director for the Southern Highland Craft Guild. “With that, families are able to enjoy the activities we have on hand, while fostering creative ideas and educating themselves about traditional mountain culture.” Saturday also marks the 23rd annual Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle World Competition. The Whimmy Diddle contest, where contestants try to be the best with a traditional wooden mountain toy, offers excitement and mountain sportsmanship for people of all ages. Storytelling, music and crafts again tops the agenda at noon on Sunday, Sept. 22. Traditional and contemporary storytelling by the Asheville Storytellers proves to be delightful, while the mountain ballads of Jerry Harmon soothe your soul. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. Admission is free. For more information, call 828.298.7928 or visit the website at www.southernhighland guild.org.