Special Events

Saturday, September 15th, 2012
Sunday, September 16th, 2012

Will Hines Diana Gates

Mary Nichols Diana Gates

Traditional music is always a highlight of Heritage Weekend at the Folk Art Center. Stewart Stokes

Dana Hatheway Diana Gates

Apple Chill Cloggers delight the crowd during Heritage Weekend. Stewart Stokes

Whimmy Diddle A whimmy diddle is an Appalachian mountain toy made of two wood sticks. Contestants prepare for the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition. Diana Gates Judges look on as contestants compete for the Whimmy Diddle championship. Stewart Stokes

The 32nd Annual Heritage Weekend will be held September 15 - 16 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 32nd Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday, 2:00-3:00pm. Joe “Colonel Buncombe” Bly will emcee the competition.

During Heritage Weekend, learn from area experts about beekeeping, rifle making, coopering, heritage toy making, natural dyeing, spinning, quilting, whittling, print making and furniture making.  Other highlights include sheep shearing demonstrations throughout the day on Saturday.  The entertainment schedule is jam-packed with regional musicians on both days. Check back for the complete listing of participants and activities.

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. For more information, including a list of participating craftspeople and musicians, call 828-298-7928

What is a Whimmy Diddle?

A whimmy diddle is an Appalachian mountain toy made from two sticks of wood. 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).

During the 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.

The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center is the ideal place for Heritage Weekend with plenty of 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. For more information call 828-298-7928.

2011 Participants
Lyle Wheeler, furniture making and heritage toys
Will Hines, coopering
Jim McGie, furniture making
Cassie Dickson, natural dyeing and flax to linen demonstration
Dede Styles, natural dyeing
Jan Morris, children's activities
Sandra Rowland, children's activities
Nora Mosrie, children's activities
Bill Alexander, bark baskets
Dana Hatheway, chairs
Don Duncan, hand carved treenware
Peggy Whitted, weaving
Barbara Miller, weaving
Martha Owen, spinning
Homer Sales, rifle making
Connie and Ted Brown, beekeeping
Ellie Kirby, printmaking
Debbie Littledeer, screenprinting
Nancy Darrell, wood block prints
Brandy Clements, chair caning
Anthony Cole, sheep shearing on Saturday
Border collies on Sunday

Click here for a video about Heritage Weekend.

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