Highlights is a 30 minute weekly TV show featuring organizations, events, grass-roots efforts and people who move our state and community forward in a positive way.
The show is a collaboration with HD Media, The Media Center and Jim Strawn & Company.
The show taped and premiering at 8:30 p.m. on June 20, 2022 highlights the 60th Mountain State Art & Craft Fair in Ripley, WV.
We interviewed Buddy Davidson, Marketing Coordinator Mountain State Art & Craft Fair and Michael Young, Blacksmith and exhibitor during the Fair.
Buddy discussed the history and mission of the Fair.
The Mountain State Art & Craft Fair was introduced as part of West Virginia’s Centennial Celebration in 1963. It was intended to be a one-time event to provide a marketplace for the state’s talented artisans. That remains the goal more than a half-century later.
Artisans who exhibit at the fair are selected by a jury of experts. Their products represent some form of traditional or contemporary Appalachian arts and crafts.
West Virginia’s Art & Craft Guild has been affiliated with the Fair since its inception. Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia, also has a working agreement with the Fair.
Fair attendees enjoy toe-tapping music, amazing art, and tasty Appalachian food.
Michael, who operates Liberty Ironworks in Putnam County WV, talked about the art of working with steel. He is working diligently in preparation for the show.
The dates for this year’s fair is:
Friday, July 1
Saturday, July 2
Sunday, July 3
The show hours are 10-6 for those 3 days. Admission is $5 for those 12-and-older free for those 11-and-under.
Click here to view the program.
If you would like to learn more about the Highlights Program, contact Host and Executive Producer Jim Strawn at 304-541-4756.