38th annual Mountain Heritage Day to kick off on Saturday

Summer McMahon of bluegrass group Mountain Faith. Photo by Mark Harvell.

Western Carolina University’s 38th annual Mountain Heritage Day will take place Saturday, Sept. 29, on the WCU campus in Cullowhee.

The free festival will offer over 100 booths filled with arts and crafts along with over 30 vendors selling many different kinds of food.

Music will be played continuously on three different stages from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring such groups as The Bailey Mountain Cloggers, Roan Mountain Hilltoppers, and The Hominy Valley Boys.

Balsam Range, a very popular bluegrass band from Asheville, will play two shows. There will also be an unveiling of a Smithsonian exhibit and a 5-K foot race, which will take place at 8 in the morning.

The Smithsonian exhibit “Journey Stories” explores how transportation really brought our nation to where it is today. It tells the story of how it changed the economy and the culture of America.

Local group Mountain Faith is a family bluegrass band that has been playing together for 10 years. They won a national bluegrass award this month for one of their live performances.

Summer McMahan, one of the lead singers and fiddle player for Mountain Faith, says she looks forward to Mountain Heritage Day every year.

“I always enjoy playing at Mountain Heritage Day,” McMahan said. “They always have a great turnout and everyone seems to really enjoy the music.”

Mountain Faith will play at 10 a.m. on Saturday on the Blue Ridge Stage.

The festival will continue through rain and shine. No pets are allowed except for service dogs. Bring a lawn chair if you have one and get ready to enjoy a great day of music and art.

For more information visit the Mountain Heritage Day website or call 828-227-7129.