Mountain Masters a hit
Published 10:39 am Monday, November 27, 2017
<p>Photos by Teresa Pruitt</p> <p>The Village Center Mall seemed to come alive last weekend as Harlan Countians as well as out-of-town visitors gathered for the annual Festival of the Mountain Masters. The event, which offers both the opportunity for crafts people to display their projects and the chance for old friends to catch up with one another, has become a traditional way for Harlan County to transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas. This year’s festival yielded everything from mesmerizing Christmas décor to beautiful works of art as well as wood crafts and homemade soaps, lotions and oils that can be used year around. Here, former Harlan Countian Leila Barton, of London, displayed her knitting work.</p>
<p>Tara Nolan browsed through Christmas items.</p>
<p>Janice Poynter stopped to purchase soaps from Debra Cornett’s homemade soap booth.</p>
<p>Ka’ssee Burchfield spent time catching up with old friends Sheila Ahmad and Marissa Ahmad.</p>
<p>Darla Saylor Jackson, of Mountain Gypsy Herbs, was on hand with her homemade lotions and oils. Jackson is co-owner with Michelle Cole.</p>
Harlan County, one of Middlesboro’s neighboring communities, was filled with both craftsmen and observers from throughout the region, as they came together to celebrate the 33rd annual Festival of the Mountain Masters.
“I look forward to the Mountain Masters festival every year. I love taking my grandchildren to see and experience all of the talented artist and craftsmen from in and around our area. It always puts me in the holiday mood and kicks off the Christmas season for me,” said Harlan County native Gina Freeman.
For Freeman and many others throughout the area, the festival has become an annual tradition for people of all ages to attend and enjoy. The event successfully transforms the Village Center Mall into a cultural real-life history lesson, providing attendees with the opportunity to learn more about their Appalachian heritage while being surrounded by friendly faces from the community, some of whom they may only get the chance to encounter at the festival.
Seeing as the event takes place the weekend following Thanksgiving, this provides residents with the opportunity to come out and visit with friends and family members who have found themselves living out their lives in various areas throughout the years, but come back to their hometown for this special holiday weekend.
Along with impressive handmade crafts and displays, the festival also features live entertainment, as well as a beloved photography contest which is open to both adults and children of all skill levels.
Above all, the festival serves as a way for talented people throughout the area to come out and showcase their impressive skills, displaying to everyone the immense talent lying within the mountains.
