Special Events

Saturday, September 21st, 2013
Sunday, September 22nd, 2013

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 33rd Annual Heritage Weekend will be held September 21 - 22 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 33rd 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.

HERITAGE ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE 2013:

Saturday, September 21
11:00   Southern Crescent Bluegrass
12:00   Split Rail
1:00     Firefly
1:30     Apple Chill Cloggers with Firefly
2:00     33rd Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition
3:00     J Creek Cloggers and the Ross Brothers


Sunday, September 22
12:00   Level Ground Gospel
1:00     Carol Rifkin and Paul’s Creek
2:00     Cole Mountain Cloggers with Paul’s Creek
2:30     Gospel Grass
3:30     Buncombe Turnpike

Click here for a video about Heritage Weekend.

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