30th Hard Candy Christmas Arts & Crafts

From 30th Hard Candy Christmas Arts & Crafts Website:

The "Hard Candy Christmas" show is the longest running of the two events. Doris Hunter, Macon County, North Carolina native and artist, promotes both shows. Doris says :"The Mountain Artisans Arts & Crafts Show started in 1987 with a dream and only 8 exhibitors, including "myself". The Mountain Artisans name did not come into reality until many years later.

The "Hard Candy Christmas" had small beginnings like all dreams. Doris envisioned a Christmas show in Franklin, North Carolina that would feature the area's best artisans. When she mentioned her idea, not many of her artists friend were enthused. They said: when the last leaf falls, no one is here to buy arts and crafts and the locals will not support such an event".

Undaunted, Doris convinced a few of her pals to go along with her and "put on" a local holiday arts & crafts show.

The Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving was picked as it is the biggest shopping day of the year. The first show was held in the small Slagle Memorial Building in Franklin. The rock building had a big fireplace so we called the show The Fireside Art & Craft Show. The exhibitors were Doris Hunter (Pinecone birds), Michael Rogers (Watercolors), Gail And Roger Marsengill (Country craft), Linda McKay (Victorian craft & bears), Cynthia Star Lightfoot (Granny dolls), Rod Eirwood (Jewelry), Norma Deeks (Cowee Creek Pottery ). The eighth exhibitor no one remembers."