Cedar Lakes Arts & Crafts Fair July - RIPLEY, WV

Mountain State Arts and Crafts Fair. Through the Years the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair is held annually on the Thursday through Sunday during the first weekend in July. It began in 1963. My Parents started going in 1980, they rarely miss a trip to Cedar Lakes.
Clouds were forming as we left Charleston, we sang songs of Sunshine . . .and Rainbows. . .but the Rain fell, my parents didn't seem to mind the rain. We walked around for an hour or two. Spent most of our time eating, visiting with Laura Moul (another post) and visited the Appalachian Glass of Weston, W.Va. http://www.appglass.com/(LINK) Chip Turner from Appalachian Glass was doing demos, he made a glass ball for Dr. Shan (our guest). Chip Turner with a vision of increasing public appreciation in traditionally-produced, American-made products formed and now owns Appalachian Glass Products & Services LLC.
This year our 'day trip' was eventful - the MUD was 2 feet deep. My Dad's car was stuck in the MUD a tractor and six men came to our rescue. With the initial 'mud impaction ' our family friend Dr. Shan heroically jumped out of the car wearing nice trouser and dress suede shoes, got behind the car and started to shove, I not wanting to feel 'totally useless' decided to 'help, I also pushed perhaps to provide moral support. The car started to move, only to become stuck again in 500 feet. The mud was everywhere and deep. On the car, on us, in the car. My pants were covered with mud to my knees. My sandals were destroyed. Dr Shan's and my Dads clothes were also ruined.
Next week, I know this will seem funny. Perhaps next year when I think of this day, I'll smile, but now....I feel kinda sorry for Dr Shan whose first visit to West Virginia was filled with a day of pushing car, hosing mud from himself, destroying his shoes, driving 8 -9 hours and learning to eat South India foods made from' scratch' by West Virginians. I do feel Dr Shan "will forever say NO" to Arts and Crafts Festivals after this experience. BUT for the rest of you - THINK NEXT YEAR! and SUNSHINE!

The 2009 Arts and Crafts Fair Plans are all ready under way. Artisans who exhibit at the fair are selected by a jury of crafts experts and the number of out of state exhibitors is limited to 25% of the total number of exhibitors. All products represent some form of traditional or contemporary Appalachian arts and crafts. Over the years the Mountain State Arts and Crafts Fair has become one of the Leading Arts and Crafts Fairs in the nation. It is ranked in the top 5 and listed in travel guides Best Festivals Mid Atlantic Region. see link: Festivals Mid-Atlantic.
Future Fair Dates2009 – July 2, 3, 4, 5http://www.msacf.com/fairinfo.html
IF PHOTOS OF MUD Can be UPLOADED THEY"ll BE ADDED