Sourwood Festival returns
Black Mountain’s annual Sourwood Festival, which was canceled in 2020, is back this year but with a new feel and look.
“The focus is more on arts and crafts and less on manufactured products,” says Sharon Tabor, executive director of the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. The downtown festival, which started in 1977, also has changed its vendor footprint and will have music on Black Mountain Avenue instead of Sutton Avenue.
Organizers have added an Appalachian heritage component, with craft demonstrations, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and music, in Town Square on Saturday, Aug. 14. Performers include Sorella Jack, Ashley Heath, The Circuit Rider and The Dashers.
And during the festival’s second and final day, musicians Christina Chandler and Madelyn Ilana will perform on Cherry Street at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. This marks the first time the festival has featured music on Cherry Street.**
About 100 craft and artisan vendors will be selling items on Sutton Avenue, Bank Drive, Black Mountain Avenue and SunTrust Bank, 200 N.C. 9, Black Mountain. Honey sellers will be prominently featured.
The Sourwood Festival runs 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15. For more information, visit avl.mx/a5w."
** These entertainers will be in the Cherry Street Courtyard.
My friend Larry Pearlman will be storytelling at 11 on Sat. at the stage behind Black Mountain Healthfood Store.
And at 5 on Sat. my friend Saro will have Celtic music, also at the stage behind Black Mountain Healthfood Store.
