The 35th Annual Heritage Weekend will be held September 19-20, 2015 at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center.

This free festival sponsored by the Southern Highland Craft Guild features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations.

A highlight of the weekend is the 35th Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 2-3 p.m. A whimmy diddle is an Appalachian mountain toy traditionally made from two sticks of rhododendron. Notches are carved into one stick and a propeller is attached to the end. The other stick is rubbed against the notches, causing the propeller to spin either gee (to the right) or haw (to the left). Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the masters, and even participate in the competition.

During the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition contestants are judged on the number of rotations between gee and haw they can complete during a given time. They may also have to switch hands during the competition or whimmy diddle behind their backs. There are three divisions of competition: children, adults and professional. Sign up throughout the day to compete. Winners receive a trophy, Heritage Weekend poster, t-shirt, a Moon Pie, and bragging rights.

During Heritage Weekend, learn from area experts about beekeeping, coopering, heritage toy making, natural dyeing, spinning, broom making and furniture making. Hands-on activities related to traditional crafts will be provided for all ages. Other highlights include sheep shearing demonstrations throughout the day on Saturday, and border collie demonstrations on Sunday.

The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center is the ideal place for Heritage Weekend with free parking, access to hiking trails and grassy areas for a picnic. Spend an early autumn weekend in WNC honoring and learning about crafts of yesteryear while enjoying the beauty of the region. Farmhouse BBQ’s food truck will be set up on the grounds of the Folk Art Center both days.

Heritage Weekend Entertainment Schedule

Saturday, September 19, 2015
11 a.m. – Southern Crescent Bluegrass
12 noon – Split Rail
1 p.m. – Firefly
2 p.m. – 35th Annual Gee Haw
Whimmy Diddle Competition
3 p.m. – J Creek Cloggers and the Ross Brothers

Sunday, September 20, 2015
12 noon – Level Ground Gospel
1 p.m. – Carol Rifkin and Friends
2 p.m. – Cole Mountain Cloggers with Carol Rifkin
2:30 p.m. – Gospel Grass
3:30 p.m. – Buncombe Turnpike

If You Go: The 35th Annual Heritage Weekend at the Folk Art Center. Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 10-4 p.m., and Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 12-5 p.m. For more information, including a list of participating craftspeople and musicians, call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just north of the Hwy 70 entrance in east Asheville, NC.