For over twenty-five years the Town of Mars Hill has sponsored the annual Madison Heritage Arts Festival, an event Madison County Residents and folks from surrounding counties look forward to coming to College Street every year. Starting in 2020, the Rotary Club of Madison County NC has taken on the responsibility of handling all of the logistics of the festival.
Vendors marketing an array of arts and crafts, along with many other locally produced products will be ready to greet customers from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 8th,” according to Barbara Shepard and Patricia Gregory, Festival co-chairs. Food booths, always popular, will offer a variety of lunch selections. Baked goods, candy and drinks are also available for all to enjoy.
For all of its years, this festival has run concurrently with the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Music Festival which began in 1967. This Old Time Music festival is held on the Upper Quad (Lunsford Quad) of Mars Hill University which adjoins College Street where the Madison Heritage Arts Festival is held. With the Quad filled with music and College Street filled with arts and crafts, the Town of Mars Hill will be hoppin’ on the second Saturday in October!
“Exhibitors work hard all year to prepare for the festival”, say Shepard and Gregory. “More people are looking for activities close to home. They’re also interested in purchasing items that are locally made. With over 60 vendors, the festival provides an excellent opportunity to purchase affordable Christmas and birthday gifts. Pottery, jewelry, handmade scarves and hats, wooden sculptures, painted gourds and local honey are some of the favorite items that will be available.”
Nathan Bennett, Mars Hill Town Manager, says, “Our town takes great pride in supporting the Madison Heritage Arts Festival. The welcome mat is out for all to share a great experience. This is a special day for family and friends and one to remember.”
e-mail: madison.heritage.arts@gmail.com
Madison Heritage Arts Festival 