On Saturday, June 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Roanoke County’s Explore Park will host the second 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 day will include demonstrations from many of our Explore Park gift shop artisans who create an array of unique items, such as fused glass, pottery, ink art, plein air paintings, fiber art, leather crafts and one of a kind handmade jewelry.
Bo and Bobby Bolinsky from Fair Acres Alpaca Farm will provide “raw alpaca fleece” Spinning Wheel and hand-knitting demonstrations, throughout the day. Alpaca products are “itch-free,” warmer, softer and lighter in weight than wool and comes in an array of 22 natural shades.
Get in touch with your wild side at Artisan Saturday! This week’s nature theme is Backyard Animals! Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism’s staff naturalist will entertain children of all ages from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. In addition, children will have the opportunity to play with life-size games and creative puzzles as well as create a Flower Craft.
Make a whole day of it and take advantage of Explore Park’s hiking and biking trails. Bring the fishing gear and fishing license to spend an hour or two on the Roanoke River or visit the museum located in the Visitor Center. Explore Park’s Visitor Center Gift Shop is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information on Artisan Saturdays, contact 540-427-1800 or visit www.RoanokeCountyParks.com.
- Submitted by Wendi Schultz, Tourism and Event Coordinator