Rachel Hoskins
rhoskins@thefranklinpress.com
The sounds of metal hitting metal vibrated through the streets of Spruce Pine Saturday morning as the 17th annual Fire on the Mountain Festival kicked off the arrival of spring.
As demonstrators and vendors lined Locust Ave., the red glow of heated metal from fired forges could be seen as demonstrators prepared to talk about their trade – blacksmithing.
Pete Braspenninx, a Michigan based blacksmith, artist, instructor and owner of Phyre Forge was the featured blacksmith for the event. His work focuses on building shapes and lines and using visual connections and traditional joinery to make modern forms.
A first-time visitor to Spruce Pine, Braspenninx said he was most impressed by the sense of community. I think it’s great that the community comes out for an event that is traditionally just blacksmiths. There is a variety of activities for everyone.”
Braspenninx, who filled two demonstration slots at the festival said this was his first time in Spruce Pine and at Penland.
“There is a lot of really good, committed people to what’s happening here,” said Braspenninx. “I was aware of the festival; I keep my eye on what’s happening in the blacksmithing community. Overall, I think this is great, most of our events are just blacksmithing based and just blacksmithing people, it’s pretty one-track minded whereas this is a community event and anybody can come in and feel welcome or try their hand at it and that’s what is really nice about this.”
Braspenninx said staying at Penland the past week has been great. “I’ve had Penland on my radar for a long time too as the fancy craft school, so it’s been nice to finally come in and experience it. It was at the end of classes when I came in last week but there were still a lot of students around so the positive, creative energy that happens with all those people together is great. It was a wonderful place to be.”
The festival is a collaboration between Spruce Pine Main Street, Penland School of Crafts and the Toe River Arts.
Jo Ann Townsend, who manages the Toe River Arts gallery in Spruce Pine said the event was fantastic. The opening reception on Friday night with the demonstrators was “packed,” said Townsend. “I think this is the busiest we’ve been for this festival.”
Originating in 2007 as a local festival, the festival was originally called “Hammerin’ on the Toe.” Over time it has grown into one of the largest blacksmith festivals on the East Coast.
“This is the first festival of the year that Main Street hosts,” said Spencer Bost, executive director of Spruce Pine Main Street. “It almost runs itself, but we are happy to be a part of it. We have over 45 vendors today. I’ve had many of them tell me this is their favorite festival.
“It’s a great thing for the community. It raises the status and awareness of Spruce Pine as an artisan community, especially with Penland in our backyard,” said Bost. “What we have here are some of the most talented artists on the planet. We have one of the highest concentration of artisans in the country.
“For our downtown merchants, most of them are enjoying having people in town, getting to know us. For visitors, there is a good chance they come back in the fall to enjoy the leaves. It can be really good for merchants. We’ve encouraged vendors, participants and visitors to visit local stores and restaurants.
What’s next
Bost said that beginning May 16 downtown will be hosting Third Thursday, a farmers and makers market that will include grown and sown items, as well as live music, food and drinks. Events will begin at 5 p.m.
Other upcoming events include:
• Toe River Arts Spring Studio Tour, May 31 to June 2. This self-guided, driving tour features more than 85 area artists in their natural, creative studio habitats. For additional information visit toeriverarts.org
• Alien Festival slated for June 8. Events will be held on Locust Street in downtown Spruce Pine from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit sprucepinealienfestival.com for more information.
• NC Rhododendron Festival, June 21-22. Join a festival of pageantry, art, and music in downtown Bakersville. Visit bakersvillenc.com for more information.