16
Spring & Summer 2013
www.blackmountainnews.com
WHAT’S ALL THE
BUZZ ABOUT? From Staff Reports
B
irdhouses, handmade furniture, custom jewelry, local soap, and fine art are just a few of the crafts offered at Sourwood Festival. For one weekend in August each year, the Sourwood Festival fills downtown Black Mountain with wholesome entertainment for both adults and children. With highlights like authentic arts and crafts; face-painting, bouncy rides and cotton candy for children; musical acts and dancing; fresh-squeezed lemonade and hot-off-the-grill BBQ, there’s something for everyone at the Sourwood Festival presented by the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. This year’s 36th annual festival is Saturday, August 10, and Sunday, August 11, and features over 200 booths of arts and crafts, food of all kinds, rides and games for children, and musical acts performing every half hour. The non-alcoholic festival attracts over 30,000 each year from all over the country. It wouldn’t be a festival if there weren’t a great selection of food, and the Sourwood has something for everyone - vegetarian dishes, homemade ice cream, funnel cake, handmade jellies, Polish sausage, corn on the cob, and much more. Honey-making and bee demonstrations are a popular attraction. “Owen High School Band’s BBQ fundraiser is always a big hit,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Bob McMurray. You can smell the BBQ smoking from miles away. Now in its tenth year, the Sourwood Idol Contest kicks off the Sourwood Festival on Friday, August 9, at 7 p.m. with regional talent of
solo singing acts competing for the Sourwood Idol title. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. Located at 201 E. State Street, the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce may be reached by calling (828) 669-2300 or emailing bmchamber@juno.com. www.exploreblackmountain. com. For more information on the Sourwood Festival, visit www.sourwoodfestival.com.
36th Annual Sourwood Festival August 10 & 11 Downtown Black Mountain Sourwoodfestival.com