Vendors and visitors line the Bakersville Creek Walk Saturday, Sept. 18 during the second annual North Carolina Mountaineer Festival which featured vendors, entertainment and more. (MNJ photo/Ariana Maniatis)
BAKERSVILLE —Visitors and vendors packed Bakersville Saturday, Sept. 18 for the second annual North Carolina Mountaineer Festival.
The festival featured food and craft vendors, live music and activities for adults and children. It ran from 10 a.m. through the evening and attendees were treated to sunny weather.
Attendees also tried their hand at the Mighty Mountaineer Challenge which tasked participants with various “mountain challenges” like ax throwing, fire starting, skillet slinging and log chopping.
Live music kept attendees entertained throughout the day. Several local acts provided music including Thirty Ought Six, Ages Past, High Mountain Grass, Michelle Leigh, Bandana Rhythm and Wyatt Duvall. There was also a time for karaoke.
Organized by small business owners Harley and John Masters, the festival happened for the first time in October 2020. The two own and operate Southern Ridge Cafe in Bakersville.
In 2019, the two held an anniversary celebration for their eatery to mark one year in business. That smaller celebration gave way to the Mountaineer Festival in 2020 when Harley Masters decided she wanted to offer something even grander for the community.
All vendors and booths were spaced out to allow for social distancing. Volunteers sanitized surfaces and bathrooms regularly.
“I loved the first one and was so excited for this one,” attendee Olivia Rhea said. “There is so much to choose from in one place.”