Stecoah – Fall is the perfect time to celebrate the changing of leaves, pumpkins, hayrides and the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center’s annual harvest festival.
The 2024 festival drew 2,100 people to the old grounds of Stecoah High School, to celebrate Appalachian culture through music, arts and crafts, artisan demonstrations, farming, and food. Mandolinists Enslie Phillips, Loretta Kinsey and Charlie Wilson – led by Roger Gibbs – opened the festivities Saturday.
Sixty-one vendors were on-site from all over the state. It was a time for singing, clogging, catching up with old friends and making new ones.
“It was a great time to celebrate community and gratitude as we go through these difficult times,” said Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center Executive Director Jennifer West. “It was a blessing to be able to have it.”
Susan Roper won the “Viewers Choice Award” at the always-popular quilting exhibit. A “kid zone” was available for kids old and young to play games and create crafts of their choice. Appalachian music filled the air as everyone enjoyed a wonderful day of all things fall.