Augusta Festival
City Park event to cap off month of classes
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ELKINS -- The Augusta Heritage Center will cap off its three-week Summer Heritage Workshop series with the Augusta Festival and Craft Fair on Saturday at Elkins City Park.
Augusta's 50th anniversary celebration this year has featured workshops, concerts, jam sessions and other events throughout the month of July. Organizers have worked hard to make sure the milestone finale is one to remember.
"We have gone all out this year," Augusta Heritage Center CEO Seth Young told The Inter-Mountain. "Of course we are always dedicated to highlighting and elevating the traditional art and craft of our state, but this year we wanted there to be a little bit of everything for everyone."
More than 40 craft vendors from around the state will be selling items at Saturday's event. There will also be a host of food choices from both local and out-of-town vendors.
"Saturday is going to be a really great day," Young said. "There are kids' activities, different craft workshops, led jams such as a community sing and an old-time jam session, and an open fiddle and banjo contest. There's just going to be something for everyone and the music is going to be fantastic."
Beginning at 10 a.m. and running throughout the day until the event closes at 5 p.m., Interactive Demonstrations will be ongoing at the Folkways Tent and Vendor Booths. Visitors to these areas will be able to explore screen printing, felting, weaving, quilting and much more. Various artisans will be on hand to showcase their skills and allow guests to witness the creation process firsthand.
Renowned storyteller Mike Perry will hold several sessions throughout the day at the Green Pavilion. Perry's engaging tales will captivate audiences of all ages. He will be entertaining guests at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
From 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., there will be a Flatfooting Workshop at the Workshop Tent. Will Roboski will teach the traditional Appalachian dance style at the session and experience is necessary.
A Community Sing will take place in the Green Pavilion beginning at 10:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome to the musical sing-along gathering that will create an atmosphere of togetherness and joy.
The Interact Children's Museum will be open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Shelter Pavilion. The Museum will feature many interactive exhibits and displays that will allow children to learn through play.
Visitors are invited to dive into the world of watercolor painting with Rosalie Haizlett beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Workshop Tent. Those wishing to take part in the watercolor workshop are encouraged to arrive early as it is limited to 15 participants.
Weaving On Rocks with Kiki Alba will run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will learn how to dress up a rock by weaving onto it during this session. All materials will be provided and guests are welcomed to bring their own favorite rock or stone.
The Banjo Contest will take place at 1 p.m and will be held in the Green Pavilion. The contest is open to anyone wishing to participate, and registration will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Following the banjo showdown, the Fiddle Contest will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Green Pavilion, as participants in the open contest battle it out for the top prize. Registration for the competition begins at 2 p.m.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to experience an array of traditional music when local musicians gather for an Old-Time Jam Session at the Green Pavilion at 3 p.m.
"With an exciting lineup of events and activities, the Augusta Festival and Craft Fair is the perfect destination for a day of family fun and cultural enrichment," Young said. "Don't miss this opportunity to support local artisans, enjoy lively performances, and create lasting memories."
Following the Festival and Craft Fair, the celebration will continue with the highly-anticipated Third Street Augusta Block Party. The third-annual event will be from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Kerens Avenue in front of El Gran Sabor.
"Every year we have had a little over 300 people attend the block party," Young said. "This year it's going to be honky-tonk-themed and there's going to be people dancing the night away. It will be out on Kerens Avenue and it's sponsored by Big Timber, so you know it's going to be a good time."
The evening extravaganza will feature performances from the Jesse Milnes Band and the Sweetback Sisters.
The Jesse Milnes Band will open the night with their infectious energy and toe-tapping tunes. The talented group will set the stage ablaze with their honky-tonk style.
The Sweetback Sisters, meanwhile, will cap off the evening with their unique blend of country, swing and honky-tonk music. The duo are renowned for their harmonious vocals, catchy melodies and captivating stage presence.
Young said the Augusta Block Party is not only a celebration of music and community, but also an opportunity to connect with fellow festival-goers and create lasting memories.
The Augusta Festival and Craft Fair and the Augusta Block Party are sponsored by the Elkins Randolph County Tourism, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Big Timber Brewing, El Gran Sabor and Davis Trust Bank.
For more information, visit the Augusta Heritage Center on Facebook and Instagram or visit AugustaArtsAndCulture.org.