![]() Those wishing to make it a two-day event may attend the Master Blacksmith Demonstration Workshop all day Friday. Their challenge is to create the specified object of the year, such as a spoon or hook, for a chance to win a prize. ![]() ![]() One highlight of the festival is the Forge Off contest, which has spirited competitors who are given a rod of iron, one hour and minimal tools. Photo courtesy of Fire on the Mountain Facebook page Festival happenings He acknowledges that “blacksmithing chose him,” and demonstrated the forging of bronze and fire welding of perforated steel. John Rais, the featured Master Blacksmith at the 2019 festival, has operated his studio business since 1998, where he designs and creates unique furniture, sculpture and architectural metal art. “What I enjoy most in this craft is that all things are possible,” Rachel says. Rachel Kedinger, a featured demonstrator in 2019, currently creates her own work at Holzman Iron Studio. Some are even fortunate enough to be allowed to participate hands-on with the assistance of an experienced blacksmith. Young and old can’t believe what they see - suddenly their eyes are opened to a real creation process that they had heard of, or read about in a history book, but never experienced. At the demonstration tent, talented men and women hammer and bend small blanks of metal with a smile and a focused look, all the while explaining the process to the intrigued crowd that gathers around. ‘Metal is magic’Īttendees find a variety of tool vendors and blacksmiths displaying and selling their work. Today, with the sun shining, and the ring of hammers on metal filling the air, the exhilaration of those early days is here, yet again.Įlizabeth Brim, master blacksmith. The making of tools, weapons and building fasteners was essential to all early settlers to our country. The blacksmith trade is arguably the foundation of our nation. Held on the last weekend in April, thousands gather each year for the free event showcasing the art of blacksmithing. Originating in 2007 as a small, local festival called “Hammerin’ on the Toe,” it has since grown to be one of the largest blacksmith festivals on the East Coast. Co-sponsored by Penland School of Crafts, Toe River Arts Council (TRAC), and Spruce Pine Main Street (SPMS), the festival was created to celebrate the art and the history of blacksmithing in Western North Carolina. That’s what one can find at the annual Fire On The Mountain Blacksmith Festival in Spruce Pine. A festival where artists create right in front of you is one of the most inspiring and educational destinations to attend.
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