Fall is here and that means it is time for cooler weather, colorful leaves, crafts and pumpkins. Come experience all that is fall and spend the day at the November 3rd free family- friendly Artisan Saturday at Explore Park, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at milepost 115, from 10:00AM – 3:00PM. Local artisans will be present to demonstrate a number of uniquely different crafts and skills.
The November 3rd Artisan Saturday will include some of the most talented of Virginia’s Blue Ridge artisans displaying creations of fused glass, paintings, instruments, pottery, jewelry, and more. On hand for the first time will be metal artist, Troy Patsel, whose talent transforms everyday metal objects into one of a kind works of art.
Returning for the first time this season will be the Blue Ridge Mountain Cloggers, who will be performing at 10:30am and 12:30pm. Also, don’t miss out on the presentation WILD THINGS, from 1pm to 3pm, introducing you to all you need to know about Backyard Birds and how to attract, feed and identify the birds that visit and live both at Explore Park and in your backyard during the winter. Attendees will receive handouts about the song birds and woodpeckers that are common visitors to feeders and make a pinecone feeder to take home. A Master Naturalist will be offering nature hikes at specific times during the event.
A special attraction this year will be local high school students who will exhibit and sell their unique crafts. Artisans from Southwest Virginia whose work reflects both creativity and quality craftsmanship will be available for questions during their demonstrations. To complement the demonstrations, their original pieces of work will be for sale.
At Artisan Saturday there is always fun times to be found for children. From making their own pottery creation with the Blue Ridge Potters Guild to creating a Thanksgiving pumpkin craft or playing life size tic, tac toe – the littlest guests will have plenty to entertain them. Live music by Tim Martin and food by Wake & Bacon food truck will add to the day’s atmosphere and tempt your taste buds.
Make a whole day of it and take advantage of Explore Park’s hiking and biking trails and learn about some of the new amenities at the park. Bring fishing gear and a fishing license to spend an hour or two on the Roanoke River or visit the museum located in the Visitor Center.
Explore Park’s Visitor Center Gift Shop is open every day from 9:00AM to 5:00PM with extended hours until 8:00PM on Friday and Saturday. For more information on Artisan Saturdays please call (540) 427.1800 or visit them on the web at www.RoanokeCountyParks.com
