On Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Roanoke County’s Explore Park will host the first of three Artisan Saturdays in 2019.
This event is free and fun for all ages. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at milepost 115, the Visitor Center and Gift Shop will have local artisans on hand to demonstrate a number of uniquely different crafts and skills.
The Fifth Annual Artisan Saturday will once again include artisans from The Blue Ridge Potters Guild who will be on hand to help guests create one of a kind pottery. Artisan, Barbara Manuel from Pebble Pieces will be joining us for the first time at Artisans Saturday. Returning favorites are artisans who create fused glass, paint, and make dulcimers and flutes. A flower craft will be available for children along with outside games and inside puzzles for all kinds of educational fun. Live music and a local food vendor will add to the day’s appeal.
Rhythm, Blues and Soul Musician, Hoppie Vaughan will be performing between the hours of 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. In addition, the Blue Ridge Mountain Cloggers will be performing at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Stop by the National Parks Service information booth and visit with Stephanie McCullough, their Parks as Classroom Coordinator. Stick around for her guided hike at 2:30 p.m. People can also learn more about our native solitary Mason Bees from the Roanoke Valley Master Naturalists! Children (of all ages) can learn how to make a simple mason bee nursery craft to take home with them. Everyone can protect our pollinators and use native plants; learn how and why!
This year additional Artisan Saturdays are scheduled for June 8 and August 11. Each Saturday may be a bit different; the day could include different book signings, a variety of live music performers, line dance instruction and many interesting and informative presentations. Artisans from Southwest Virginia whose work reflects both creativity and quality craftsmanship are always available for questions during their demonstrations. To complement the demonstrations, their original pieces of work will be for sale.
- Submitted by Scott Ramsburg, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Marketing & Administration